OREANDA-NEWS. July 12, 2012. The supporting of the coal industry will enhance the energy independence of the state. This was stated by vice Prime Minister - Minister of Social Policy Sergiy Tigipko during a visit to the Luganske mine office of the Lugansk-vugillya state enterprise. The official stressed that today the situation in the energy sector and economy as a whole depends on the state of affairs in the coal industry.

 "Without the support of the coal industry, we will strengthen the country's dependence on imported gas, and find ourselves in a very difficult situation. It should not be allowed, because we will be declared so high gas price that the economy will be in a very difficult situation. While supporting the coal industry, we are moving away from energy dependency"- vice Prime Minister said.

Sergiy Tigipko also said that the Government to consider in autumn the possibility of further increases benefits for citizens who have lost their ability to work at work, many of whom are miners.

Vice Prime Minister reminded that under the social initiatives of the President since March of this year were increased by 32% monthly insurance payments to disabled miners, others injured at work and their families.

Sergiy Tigipko also noted that the ability of the Government to increase social benefits and pensions are limited by a heavy legacy left by the previous Government. "That situation that we have received - is like a blockage in the mine. The fall in GDP in 2009 was 15%, industrial production - minus 22%" - Sergiy Tigipko said.