Ukraine faces dire need for winter gas imports amid low reserves
Ukrainians may be compelled to import gas for the upcoming winter due to critically low reserves, according to Serhiy Makohon, the former head of Ukraine's independent Gas Transmission System Operator. This situation has arisen due to Russian missile attacks that damaged production facilities in the eastern part of the country.
Ukraine faces a significant challenge related to the necessity of importing gas for the upcoming winter season of 2025-26. Serhiy Makohon, the former head of Ukraine's independent Gas Transmission System Operator, announced on Telegram that the country might need to import as much as 6.3 billion cubic metres of gas. The reason is the "lowest in history" reserves of this resource.
Makohon explained that the situation is a result of Russian missile attacks that damaged production facilities in eastern Ukraine. Consequently, the country had to use gas reserves and increase imports during the winter and spring periods.
Notably, after discussions that the United States held separately with delegations from Ukraine and Russia on 23-25 March in Saudi Arabia, it was announced that Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a complete ban on mutual attacks on energy infrastructure.
Record-low gas reserves
According to data from the association of gas operators, Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), Ukraine's gas reserves stood at 0.7 billion cubic metres as of 16 April, which constitutes only 2.22 per cent of full storage capacity.
Makohon emphasised that Ukraine should accumulate reserves at a level of at least 12.8 billion cubic metres, of which 4.6 billion cubic metres are necessary to maintain adequate pressure in the tanks.
The expert noted that considering domestic production, Ukraine will need to import at least 5.5 billion cubic metres of gas, preferably 6.3 billion.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian company Naftohaz predicts the need to import a smaller amount, totalling 4.6 billion cubic metres of gas. Even this amount could cost Ukraine up to 3 billion dollars (2.2 billion pounds), while current funds allow for the purchase of only 0.4 billion cubic metres of gas.
