KYIV, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The amount of gas stored in Ukraine's facilities has dropped close to the critical 10% threshold, prompting the urgent need for significant imports, according to Serhiy Makogon, the former head of the transit operator. Makogon highlighted on Facebook the necessity to replenish supplies to meet the country's demands, particularly during the cold season.
Despite daily gas production efforts, Ukraine relies on stored gas from summer for winter consumption. Makogon, who served as the Ukrainian state transit operator's leader for over three years before stepping down in 2022, expressed concern over the decreasing storage levels potentially limiting withdrawals to 60 million cubic meters (mcm) per day.
Although Ukraine no longer discloses its stored gas volume due to repeated Russian missile attacks on the facilities since February 2022, the state-owned Naftogaz oil and gas firm assured that Naftogaz Group holds adequate reserves for a stable heating season.
Highlighting the pressurization of stored gas, Makogon emphasized the consequence of reduced levels necessitating emergency gas imports to meet rising demand in colder weather. With daily gas consumption currently at around 110 mcm, of which 58 mcm is drawn from storage, Makogon stressed the need for significant imports at potentially higher costs in the event consumption spikes to 150 mcm due to freezing temperatures.
Naftogaz Group CEO Roman Chumak affirmed that gas reserve levels are being closely monitored to ensure a seamless heating season and readiness to navigate challenges amid the ongoing conflict. The company is prepared for any eventuality, including importing additional gas if required.
As of current data, Ukraine has initiated small-scale gas imports from Hungary as Russian gas flows to Europe through Ukraine ceased at the beginning of the year following Kyiv's decision not to extend a transit agreement with Moscow, aimed at reducing financial support for Russia's military actions.
Prior assessments indicated that Ukraine would need to import approximately 100 mcm of gas per month during winter to sustain its energy system following the Russian transit shutdown.