Ukraine, Slovakia extend firm capacity of 42 mcm/day for Ukrainian gas imports for six months

MOSCOW. April 3 (Interfax) - Ukraine's Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSOU) and Slovak transmission operator Eustream a.s. have agreed to extend the terms of increased firm capacities for gas imports into Ukraine in the amount of 42 million cubic meters per day at the Budince point until September 30, 2023, Ukrainian media reported, citing a press release from GTSOU.

"Since February 2022, GTSOU and a Slovak partner have provided a firm capacity for 42 mcm of gas imports per day instead of 27 mcm, which were available since 2014," the release said.

This "step on the part of our Slovak colleagues contributes to integrating gas markets, developing business relations, and strengthening the security of gas supply to the regions," GTSOU said.

"GTSOU team actively works on deepening cooperation with neighboring TSOs. Soon, we, together with our Slovak colleagues, will outline short- and medium-term goals and consider ways to achieve them. At this stage of transformation of the European energy system, the European gas market reform, and diversification of supply sources and routes, it is necessary to use the potential of the existing gas infrastructure as much as possible, GTSOU CEO Dmitry Lippa was quoted as saying in the release.

Available firm capacities for gas imports from European Union countries to Ukraine currently total 54 mcm per day. It is also possible to import an additional 4 mcm per day through Moldova and Romania.