Russia will take steps to prevent domestic airlines from paying fees to the European Union (EU) for producing air pollution, the Transportation Ministry said Monday.

Deputy Transportation Minister Valery Okulov said a measure outlawing the payments would likely be introduced by the end of the year.

Starting from 2012, Russia will be included in the European greenhouse gas trade system, which will require member airlines to pay fees for gas emissions, he explained.

Russian airlines would have to pay up to US$25 million in 2012 if Moscow abides by the EU demands, Okulov told the Interfax news agency.

The official also pointed out that 22 countries, including the United States, Canada and India, have already refused to pay the fees.

Russian media estimated that should Russia accept the EU terms, air ticket prices would increase by up to EUR40 each.

About 70 percent of Russian airline flights have their destinations in Europe.