Ukraine needs to import gas - Kiev
MOSCOW. May 14 (Interfax) - Ukraine needs to import at least 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas, which means about 870 million cubic meters (mcm) per month or 29 mcm per day, before November 1 in order to achieve last year's target for gas reserves in underground storage facilities, Ukrainian media said, citing a statement by former head of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine Sergei Makogon on a social network.
"If we take last year's target of 9 bcm (13.6 bcm, considering 4.6 bcm of active gas, which serves as a buffer) as the minimum target for this year, then another 7.7 bcm need to be pumped in by November 1," Makogon said.
Given current indicators and regular consumption, domestic production will provide about 2.7 bcm of gas for storage, while 5 bcm need to be imported, he said.
As of May 1, underground storage facilities contained only 0.962 bcm of gas, versus 1.277 bcm on May 11.
"This means that 28.5 mcm are pumped in on the daily basis. At this pace, only 6.15 bcm out of 9 bcm necessary, or 68%, will be pumped into underground storage facilities by November 1," Makogon said
Ukraine imported 0.9 bcm out of 1.8 bcm contracted by Naftogaz of Ukraine and Ukrtransgaz since the beginning of 2025 in February-April, so practically the entire amount had been used and it would be wrong to include it in the reserves for the winter season of 2025/2026, he said.
"Thus, slightly less than 1 bcm out of at least 5 bcm necessary, or 20%, have been contracted for next winter," Makogon said.
Imports of at least 5 bcm of gas would cost $2 billion to $2.5 billon, including $0.4 billion provided by donors and possible additional contributions, he said. In his opinion, money for gas imports can also be found inside the country, including by direct recapitalization of Naftogaz from the budget or debt repayment by offsetting, Makogon said.
"I believe that the path of some kind of budget support will be taken, considering that Western donors and international financial organizations will definitely demand reforms and market pricing even if they give the money," he said. "There is enough gas to buy in Europe and the price is adequate, so the question is whether Naftogaz has the money and how much time is left for preparations for next winter," Makogon said.
As reported earlier with the reference to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), Ukraine started pumping gas into underground storage facilities instead of pumping it out on April 17. The reports said that the gas taking season began on November 1, when underground storage facilities contained 87.037 TW/h (8.315 bcm) of gas, and ended on April 16 with 7.062 TW/h (0.675 bcm) of gas in reserves, which was the all-time lowest amount.
GIE says that Ukraine ended this year's heating season with 2.22% of the maximum reserves in underground storage facilities, versus 11.12TW/h (3.388 bcm), or 11.12% last year.
In turn, Naftogaz Commercial Director, Board member Dmitry Abramovich said at the end of March that Ukraine needed to import 4.5 bcm to 4.6 bcm of gas by November 1, 2025.
