Former GTSOU head calls for increasing gas imports to Ukraine

MOSCOW. June 19 (Interfax) - Ukraine needs to boost gas imports by at least 10 million cubic meters per day from just over 17 mcm at present in order to store 13.6 billion cubic meters of gas for the winter, together with a buffer stock of 4.6 bcm, Ukrainian media quoted said the former head of Ukraine's Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSOU), Sergei Makogon, as saying on social media.

Makogon said 256.6 mcm of gas were imported to Ukraine in the first 15 days of June, 48.7% of it through Hungary, 30.2% through Poland and 21.1% through Slovakia.

"Average daily imports are 17.17 mcm. This is approximately 30% of the available technical capacity for import, so it's technically possible to increase imports," Makogon said.

Ukraine imported 501 mcm or 16.1 mcm per day in May. Makogon has been quoted as saying Ukraine needs to import at least 5 bcm or about 870 mcm per month and 29 mcm per day by November 1 to meet last year's underground gas storage targets.

"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.

According to GTSOU data, underground gas stocks at the end of last week were 7.3 bcm, including 4.7 bcm for long-term storage gas, which is 24% lower than last year. Net gas imports to Ukraine excluding short-haul reached 18.4 mcm per day last week.