Ukraine pipeline operator ready to double gas import from EU for storage facilities

KYIV. April 21 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU) LLC is ready to transport 54 million cubic meters of natural gas per day from Europe to Ukraine, which is almost twice as much as last year, said Serhiy Makogon, director general of the company.

"Our entire infrastructure is ready. We have created an opportunity to import 54 million cubic meters of gas per day to Ukraine. This is almost twice as much as a year ago," Makogon said on the Kyiv TV channel on Wednesday.

He said the pumping of gas into Ukrainian UGS facilities had already begun.

"So far, in insignificant volumes, mainly gas of own production. Imports in significant volumes have not yet begun, but this is a matter for NJSC Naftogaz," the head of the GTSOU said.

In addition, Makogon said that the company has already begun preparations for the next heating season - the necessary repairs and maintenance of networks are being carried out.

GTSOU said on Telegram that guaranteed capacities for gas imports to Ukraine from Europe had doubled: from January 1 this year, 8 million cubic meters per day are available from Hungary, from March 4 - an additional 15 million cubic meters from Slovakia, and from March 6 - more than 4 million cubic meters from Poland.

The company said that at present, the possibilities of the daily volume of imports are comparable to the volume of Ukrainian gas production.