KIEV, Jan. 23 - Ukraine's economy will probably expand 2.4% this year, a half of what has been originally planned, due to a sharp increase in natural gas prices, Economy Ministry Arseniy Yatseniuk said.

But the growth may slow down further if gas prices will increase to more than $115 per 1,000 cu m, up from 95/1,000 cu m that had been agreed through end of June, he said.