Why Ukraine has sharply increased gas imports in 2025: expert explanation
7 May 18:04
As of early May 2025, Ukraine imported 1.12 billion cubic meters of natural gas. This is almost ten times more than in the same period in 2024, when only 118 million cubic meters were imported, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing ExPro data.
This sharp jump is explained by several key factors, including strategic preparations for the next heating season and a significant reduction in domestic production due to Russian aggression.
Reasons for the import growth
The main reason for the increase in imports was the urgent need for resources after Russia’s massive missile attacks in February 2025. The shelling severely damaged gas production infrastructure in eastern Ukraine. According to industry experts, this led to a temporary decline in production by at least 40%. In February, Ukraine imported a record 512 million cubic meters of gas, the highest since September 2023.
Geography of supply
Imports are carried out from three main directions:
- Hungary – 669 mcm (almost 60% of total imports);
- Slovakia – 261 mcm (23%);
- Poland – 190 million cubic meters (17%).
This confirms the effectiveness of reverse flows, which have become critically important after the termination of direct supplies from Russia.
Who imports gas
About 80% of imports are provided by the state-owned Naftogaz Group. The company makes purchases to build up reserves in underground storage facilities and stabilize the market in times of war. Another 20% of gas is imported by private traders, who then sell the resource through Ukrtransgaz’s auctions at the Ukrainian Energy Exchange.
Procurement financing
The National Bank of Ukraine estimates that in 2025 the state will need about $2.9 billion to purchase the required amount of gas. Ukraine hopes to raise part of this amount from international partners. “Naftogaz is already negotiating to raise €1 billion to purchase more than 2 billion cubic meters of fuel for the 2025/2026 heating season.
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