Ukranians demonstrate over gas prices.

Left wing opposition parties joined trade unions in the streets of Kiev in a protest against rising gas prices. The pro-russian Regions party had blocked parliament in a political dispute over the distribution of parliamentary jobs. A coalition of liberal parties should be voted in on Thursday, with Yulia Tymoshenko expected to be returned as Prime Minister.

But the Regions party believes it should have more influence. Equally angry are some Ukrainians who say they can’t afford gas price rises “They lowered the salaries, raised the prices for gas, electricity and housing services. And our salaries are miserable- that’s why we came here.” Consumers will have to pay double what they have been paying for gas. The rise comes after Russia doubled the price of supplies to Ukraine. Supplies were even cut off for three days in January.

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