KIEV, Oct. 11 - Ukraine??™s government on Wednesday decided to lower by 18.1% price of natural gas supplied to households following three weeks of considerations, Energy and Fuel Minister Yuriy Boyko said.

The move, apparently aimed at bolstering public support for the government, may hit Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the national oil and gas company, which is already facing $1.5 billion in losses this year.