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Ukraine plans state of emergency in energy sector over coal shortage

Xinhua, February 14, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Ukrainian government said on Monday it was considering imposing a state of emergency in the country's energy sector due to the lack of coal reserves.

The temporary emergency measures may be introduced in seven regions in eastern, central and northern Ukraine, said a government statement.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian state-run energy company Ukrenergo said the country's anthracite coal stock has dropped to 842,000 tons, the level enough to cover only 40 days of running thermal power plants.

The lion share of Ukraine's anthracite coal, which powers the thermal power plants, is extracted on the territories in eastern Ukraine, which are controlled by independence-seeking insurgents.

On late January, a group of Ukrainian activists has blocked the movements of trains, transporting coal from the rebel-held area to the government-controlled territory.

The Ukrainian government has launched an investigation into the interruption of the supplies.

Thermal power stations generate almost half of electricity produced in the country. Endit