Ukraine plans to build its own oil stockpiles for 90 days in the light of the European standard by 2017, the country's top energy official said Tuesday.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuriy Boiko said the first-phase of the plan is expected to complete next year, when the country will have a capacity of storing 200,000 tons of oil for five to 10 consecutive days.

Ukraine will continue expanding its stockpiles in years to come until 2017, when it reaches the capacity that can ensure 90 days of oil supply for the country in case of emergency, according to the minister.

The planned stockpiles will be modeled on those of Germany or Hungary, which meet Ukraine's national conditions, Boiko said, adding that both his ministry and the European Commission have agreed on the idea.

Ukraine imports more than 11 million tons of crude oil every year to meet the domestic demand, which stands at 15 million tons.

European countries are stepping up energy cooperation with Ukraine as the country is an important transit route for Russian gas and oil supply to Europe.

The Russia-Ukraine gas price war early this year prompted Moscow to briefly shut down gas supplies to Kiev, disrupting gas supplies to some EU countries.

Source: Xinhua