Gas stockpiles in Ukraine's underground storage facilities reach 14 bcm as of late Aug - Naftogaz

MOSCOW. Aug 28 (Interfax) - The amount of gas held in Ukrainian underground storage facilities has risen to 14 billion cubic meters as of late August, Naftogaz of Ukraine CEO Alexei Chernyshov said.

"These figures have almost reached 14 bcm. The target of 14.7 bcm [by the start of the heating season] will be met and will even be surpassed," Ukrainian media quoted Chernyshov as saying during the United News telethon on Monday.

The volume of 14.7 bcm will make it possible to supply additional amounts of gas for the purpose of electricity generation, he said, adding that Ukraine plans to get through the heating season without importing more gas.

Naftogaz has extended the fixed tariff plan charging households 7.96 hryvni per cubic meter of gas (including VAT) for another year, i.e. until May 1, 2024, Chernyshov said.

In addition, the Ukrainian government has prolonged a special commitment that allows Naftogaz to continue selling natural gas to companies providing heating supply to households at a fixed price of 7,400 hryvni per cubic meter until April 15, 2024, a measure that will help keep heating tariffs for the population uncharged in the new heating season.

As reported, Ukraine's 12 underground facilities are able to store 31 bcm of gas. The country plans to enter the 2023/2024 heating season with gas stockpiles amounting to 14.7 bcm.