Ukraine cuts gas imports 34% in Jan-Aug
KYIV. Sept 10 (Interfax) - Ukraine reduced its natural gas imports 34.05% to 21.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) in the period January-August, the Ukrtransgaz press service said.
"Since the start of 2012, the transit of natural gas through Ukrainian territory to states in Western Europe amounted to 54 billion cubic meters, with all orders from country-consumers being fulfilled in full volume. In August was transported [to Western Europe] 5.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas," the statement says.
Ukrtransgaz said that it had transported more than 31 bcm for Ukrainian consumers over the eight months, which was 94% of the amount for the same period of last year.
It was earlier reported that the forecast balance for reception and distribution of natural gas for 2012 foresees Naftogaz Ukrainy importing 27 billion cubic meters gas. In addition, according to the forecast, businessman Dmytro Firtash's Ostchem Holding Ltd (Cyprus) will import 8.124 bcm.
Ukraine has confirmed it will be pumping 13.135 bcm of natural gas into underground storage, including 4.887 bcm in the second quarter, 7.602 bcm in the third, and 0.646 bcm in the fourth.