MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian energy giant Gazprom on Tuesday said it would end Ukraine's gas discount from April but proposed a loan of up to US$3 billion (S$3.8 billion) to Kiev to cover its debt.

"Gazprom took a decision not to extend the discount from the beginning of next month," Gazprom chief Alexei Miller said, ITAR-TASS news agency reported.

He added that the company would back "offering a Ukraine a loan worth US$2 to US$3 billion to cover its debt for last year and pay for current supplies".