Ukraine is determined to achieve energy independence and implement conservation programs, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Wednesday.

"Ukraine is switching to the policy of energy independence and energy efficiency," Azarov said during a government meeting, adding that his country will focus on domestic resources and the latest technologies.

The premier listed concrete steps to promote energy independence, including increasing the share of coal in the county's energy balance and reducing the energy consumption of households.

Ukraine has long heavily relied on gas imports from Russia, with which Kiev has been negotiating over a year for lower prices.

Ukraine has been paying 416 U.S. dollars per 1,000 cubic meters of gas imports in the first quarter of 2012.

Azarov has said earlier this month that using coal instead of gas was more efficient when the price exceeds 220 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters.