This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/7187298.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ukrainians queue for lost savings Ukrainians queue for lost savings
(about 2 hours later)
Millions of Ukrainians have queued at banks across the country to claim compensation for bank savings lost in the collapse of communism.Millions of Ukrainians have queued at banks across the country to claim compensation for bank savings lost in the collapse of communism.
Claimants have braved freezing temperatures - with at least two pensioners having died in the process. Claimants braved freezing temperatures - with at least two pensioners dying in the process.
Each applicant is able to withdraw a maximum of 1,000 hryvnas ($198; £101).Each applicant is able to withdraw a maximum of 1,000 hryvnas ($198; £101).
They are being encouraged to put the money - the equivalent of a month's wages for the average Ukrainian - into a savings account.They are being encouraged to put the money - the equivalent of a month's wages for the average Ukrainian - into a savings account.
Economists have warned that a sudden cash injection into the economy could worsen inflation in Ukraine, currently running at 16%.Economists have warned that a sudden cash injection into the economy could worsen inflation in Ukraine, currently running at 16%.
ChaosChaos
Many Ukrainians built up savings during the Soviet era because, with consumer goods rare, there was little to spend money on.Many Ukrainians built up savings during the Soviet era because, with consumer goods rare, there was little to spend money on.
But when communism collapsed and market reforms were launched in the early 1990s, inflation made the savings almost worthlessBut when communism collapsed and market reforms were launched in the early 1990s, inflation made the savings almost worthless
The move to honour accounts that effectively ceased to exist after the collapse of the Soviet savings bank has proved hugely popular.The move to honour accounts that effectively ceased to exist after the collapse of the Soviet savings bank has proved hugely popular.
It has bolstered the approval ratings of new Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko - who has earmarked about 6bn hryvnas in this year's budget to redeem some of the savings.It has bolstered the approval ratings of new Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko - who has earmarked about 6bn hryvnas in this year's budget to redeem some of the savings.
People began queuing last week to secure the money. However, many banks have insufficient cash to cope and chaos ensued around the country.People began queuing last week to secure the money. However, many banks have insufficient cash to cope and chaos ensued around the country.
Reports suggest that one bank worker in central Kiev was beaten up by frustrated customers.Reports suggest that one bank worker in central Kiev was beaten up by frustrated customers.
Observers say that many thought it best to queue on the first day that payments were set to be made - largely because the Ukraine has a history of government decisions being overturned. Observers say that many thought it best to queue on the first day that payments were set to be made - largely because Ukraine has a history of government decisions being overturned.