Ukraine needs to boost gas imports to avoid shortage - former head of Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine

MOSCOW. June 10 (Interfax) - Ukraine needs to pump at least to 50 million - 52 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas per day into storage facilities before the heating season in order to avoid a shortage, and the only way to do this is boosting imports, Ukrainian media said, citing former head of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine Sergei Makogon.

"Should the current rates persist, only 12.8 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas will be stored by November 1 (including 4.6 bcm of buffer gas), or 800 mcm less than last year's target (13.6 bcm), which creates a risk for the winter season 2025-2026," Makogon said on a social network.

Imports averaged only 16.7 mcm per day last week, and 501 mcm were imported in May (54% via Hungary, 33% via Poland, and 12% via Slovakia), which is 16.1 mcm per day. As reported with the reference to Makogon, Ukraine needs to import at least 5 bcm extra, or about 870 mcm per month or 29 mcm per day, in order to reach last year's target for stored gas.

"Capacities for imports from Hungary and Poland are fully booked for the next month. Only 2.08 mcm out of 42 mcm available per day are booked for imports from Slovakia in July, which indicates a possibility of boosting imports," Makogon said.

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), Ukrainian underground facilities were storing only 2.02 bcm of active gas (or 6.62 bcm, including 4.6 bcm of buffer active gas that cannot be taken) in late May, which means they were full 6.72%.

This is the lowest level ever, Makogon said.

In all, 1.396 bcm of gas have been pumped into the storage facilities since April 17. The daily average stands at 31.7 mcm, versus 43.5 mcm over the last week of May.

According to Makogon, gas costs $420 per 1,000 cubic meters at European hubs. The price reached $590 per 1,000 cubic meters in February 2025 when Naftogaz conducted urgent imports.

"Naftogaz's shortage of funding is the main problem. Despite the announced plans to draw 400 million euros as loans and grants, that is not enough for the required imports. Additional funding is needed, and it is needed right now," Makogon said.