Gas preparation: Ukraine urgently needs to import up to 5 billion cubic meters
21 April 14:25
Ukraine needs to import more than 6 billion cubic meters of gas: expert opinionUkraine should start importing natural gas in May. This opinion was expressed by the former head of the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator Sergiy Makohon, "Komersant Ukrainian" writes with reference to Reuters.
According to him, the stability of the country’s energy system in the next heating season directly depends on the timely accumulation of resources.
Taking into account the projected consumption and expected supplies, Ukraine needs to import at least 6 billion cubic meters of gas to get through the autumn-winter period of 2025-2026. According to the expert, this volume will require $2.5 to $3 billion in investments.
Makohon notes that the volume of 4.6 billion cubic meters announced by Naftogaz of Ukraine is insufficient. It is possible to import the declared amount of fuel in three months, provided that the capacities are fully utilized. However, to increase the volume to 5.6-6.3 billion cubic meters, it will take more time – at least four months.
“Time is working against Ukraine,” Makohon said.
According to him, 100% utilization of import routes throughout the entire period is a difficult task not only technically but also from a commercial point of view.
Earlier in April, Naftogaz confirmed its intention to purchase 4.6 billion cubic meters of gas before the start of the heating season. Part of the volume is to be financed by international support, in particular, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). However, if domestic consumption grows or weather conditions are unfavorable, this volume may not be enough.
As of mid-April, the volume of gas in Ukraine’s underground storage facilities was less than 7.5 billion cubic meters. This is one of the lowest levels in the last decade. Experts estimate that at least 14-15 billion cubic meters should be in underground storage facilities to ensure the safe passage of the heating season.
Currently, Ukraine does not directly import gas from Russia, so all gas is imported through reverse flow schemes from the EU. The main partners are Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. Given the rising prices at European hubs and limited throughput capacity, rapid accumulation of volumes is logistically challenging.
In the face of limited resources, the government is also considering additional use of domestically produced gas, as well as adjusting consumption levels through energy efficiency programs.
According to Makohon, the situation with the country’s gas balance directly depends on when the final decision to start imports will be made:
“Every week lost in May means an increased risk of a shortage of the resource in winter.”
The Ministry of Energy and Naftogaz are expected to announce revised plans for import volumes, procurement financing, and coordination with international partners in the near future. The government is also exploring the possibility of using new financial mechanisms to diversify revenue sources and reduce the burden on the state budget.
Consideration of options involving private companies, joint procurement within the EU, or loan guarantees are among the key areas being discussed at interagency meetings.
According to experts, it is critical to ensure that imports start in the coming weeks to have sufficient time for logistics, financing and monitoring of contract performance.
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
