Moscow/Kiev - Kiev asked the European Union to mediate in a standoff with Russia on Thursday after gas export monopoly Gazprom fully cut supplies of Russian gas to Ukrainian consumers, in turn threatening disruptions in deliveries to Europe.

A joint statement signed by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko made public early Thursday morning said their country had asked the EU to mediate the dispute, and promised supplies to Europe would continue "uninterrupted."

Moscow/Kiev - Ukrainian officials said Thursday they hope to resolve a dispute with Russia over gas shipments soon, perhaps by January 7, reported the Interfax news agency.

The statements from Ukraine's president and prime minister come after Russian gas monopoly Gazprom cut all supplies of gas to Ukrainian customers from 10 am Moscow time (0700 GMT) on Thursday morning, jeopardizing the smooth flow of gas deliveries to European clients further downstream.

"I am sure that in a few days, we will find a way out of these discussions, and reach an understanding with our strategic partners," President Viktor Yushchenko said Thursday.

Moscow/Kiev - Kiev asked the European Union to mediate in a standoff with Russia on Thursday after gas export monopoly Gazprom fully cut supplies of Russian gas to Ukrainian consumers, in turn threatening disruptions in deliveries to Europe.

A joint statement signed by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko made public early Thursday morning said their country had asked the EU to mediate the dispute, and promised supplies to Europe would continue "uninterrupted."

Later in the day, the Interfax news agency quoted both as saying they hope to resolve the dispute soon. Tymoshenko said she expected an agreement by January 7, which is Christmas Day in the Russian Orthodox church.

Moscow - In the annual Russia-Ukraine game of chicken over pricing for gas exports, Russia crashed the car once in 2006. This year, it showed it is willing and able to do so all over again.

Unable to reach a deal on gas pricing and transit tariffs with Ukraine before midnight on December 31, Russian gas monopolist Gazprom opened the new year with a full stop to exports to its former Soviet neighbor.

The European Union held an uncomfortable seat on the sidelines of the jousting and refused to enter the fray as long as its supplies kept flowing.

Stock market analysts have maintained ‘buy’ rating on ONGC stock with an intraday target of Rs 680.

According to analysts, interested traders can purchase the stock above Rs 665 with a strict stop loss of Rs 652. If the stock market remains on positive track, the stock pricing becomes more attractive, and reach above Rs 696.

Wellington - Falling petrol prices helped reduce the number of deaths on New Zealand's roads last year to the lowest figure in nearly half a century, the transport ministry reported on Thursday.

The 2008 road toll was 359, well down from 421 the previous year and 393 in 2006 and the lowest since 1959. Petrol in New Zealand is now at its cheapest for three years.