KIEV, May 16 - Ukraine’s national energy company Naftogaz Ukrayiny will tap a $300 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for natural gas imports later this year, the company said Tuesday.

The 3-year revolving loan program is aimed at helping Ukraine secure sufficient supplies of natural gas ahead of high-demand season that begins in October.

Naftogaz used the loan during the past two years, each time repaying the debt before tapping the next.