The launch of the energy efficiency program will reduce gas consumption in Ukraine by 2.5% or 437 million cubic meters by the end of 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the opening session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Kharkiv, the official website of the Ukrainian president reported.

"I have initiated a program aimed at reducing the use of imported energy ... This year, measures will be taken to launch an energy efficiency program in about 5000 high-rise buildings in Ukraine. As for the expected effect - we plan to reduce gas consumption by 2.5% or 437 million cubic meters by the end of the year," Zelensky said on Friday.

According to the president, the program is large and complex, but "it will be a big step forward regarding the implementation of thermomodernization in the state.

"More than 1.5 million citizens will be able to feel the results, who in the next heating season will be able to pay 60% less for heat. We are talking about 700 thousand families who live in multi-storey buildings, "- he said.

"I think the effect will be large-scale, savings, by the way, 8 billion UAH for the heating season 2022-2023", - Zelensky said, adding that the saved funds will go to social and other programs in the country.