Daily monitor

According to investor relations, the March 20 AGM of Khartsyzk Pipes & Tubes [HRTR UZ, N/R] decided to declare USD 158.1 mln in dividends for 2008.

According to investor relations, the March 20 AGM of Centralnyy GOK [CGOK UZ, N/R] decided to declare exactly USD 62.4 mln in dividends for 2008.

The Ukrainian Government has voided a bill that was earlier accepted by Parliament on the 13% tariff imposed on all non-critical imports.

Last Thursday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy started the procedure on processing applications from companies that import raw cane, which is taxed at 2% of its customs value.

According to unconfirmed reports from our sources, the March 20 AGM of Pivnichnyy GOK [SGOK UZ, N/R] decided to declare about USD 138 mln in dividends for 2008.

The Ukrainian Parliament amended the law on electricity yesterday.

The electricity tariff for residential users who consume more than 0.4 MWh per month grew by a factor of 3.1 to UAH 726 (USD 94) per MW including 20% VAT since April 1, 2009.

After affirming the long- and short-term counterparty ratings for Ukrsotsbank [USCB UZ, U/R] at CCC+/C with a negative outlook, the Standard & Poor rating agency has withdrawn Ukrsotsbank’s ratings at the bank’s request.

The third-largest Ukrainian public GenCo Zakhidenergo [ZAEN UZ: U/R] held its shareholder meeting yesterday. In 2008, the company recorded a UAH 89.8 mln (USD 17.0 mln) net loss.

According to several different sources, there are currently seven probable candidate banks for receiving state support: Rodovid Bank [RODB UZ, U/R], Ukrgazbank [UGZB UZ, U/R], Finance and Credit Bank, Nadra Bank [NADR UZ, U/R], Ukrprombank, Bank Kyiv and Imexbank.