Gas reserves in Ukrainian underground storages reach 12.4 billion cubic meters

Ukraine utilized approximately 6.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas from underground storage during the 2023-2024 heating season to meet additional needs related to electricity generation, according to EXPRO Consulting.

Gas consumption for electricity generation this heating season is expected to be at the same level as last year. Meanwhile, due to increased gas production by UkrGazVydobuvannya and additional resources from UkrNaftoGazVydobuvannya, gas withdrawals by Ukrainian consumers are planned to be lower than last year's indicators. Therefore, the stored gas in the storage facilities is sufficient to cover the winter needs. Additionally, Ukraine has about a month left before the start of the heating season to accumulate additional gas reserves.

Ukraine's oil and gas company Naftogaz also began pumping natural gas from Europe, purchased with funds from the EBRD, to create additional reserves for the winter. According to EXPRO, the company pumped approximately 158 million cubic meters of natural gas into Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities in September. In October, the volume of gas pumped into storage is expected to increase.

"This year, gas injection took place under extremely difficult conditions, including intensified aerial attacks. Nevertheless, we see positive dynamics in the filling of underground storage facilities. Firstly, due to the increase in the volume of Ukrainian gas production. Secondly, Naftogaz is forming reserve stocks through the purchase of certain volumes of natural gas abroad and pumping them into the 'customs warehouse' of UGS facilities. Considering the available reserves today, we can cautiously make positive forecasts that there will be enough gas for the heating season," commented Hennadiy Kobal, Director of EXPRO Consulting.