KIEV, January 19. /TASS/. Ukraine may resume natural gas purchases in Russia in the wake of approaching frosts, national energy company Naftogaz CEO Andrey Kobolev said on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian authorities have again issued a winter storm warning. Ukraine’s weather center has reported that wind bursts will reach 15-20 meters per second, except for western regions. Especially strong snow storms are expected in Ukraine’s eastern areas. The cyclone is leaving Ukraine on Wednesday but it will give way to a plunge in outdoor temperatures to minus 23-24 degrees Centigrade (minus 9.4 - 11.2 Fahrenheit).

"If the cold spell in the country persists, a shortage of natural gas may emerge in Ukraine. Then, Naftogaz may purchase fuel in Russia," Kobolev said, adding, however, this was unlikely to happen in January.

Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Vladimir Demchishin earlier ruled out the possibility of purchasing Russian natural gas owing to its high price.

The Naftogaz press office reported several days ago that it would buy 1.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas through March 2016 at the price of $188-211 per 1,000 cu m, using a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Meanwhile, Russia offered a gas price of $216 per 1,000 cu m.