9.7 billion cubic meters of gas accumulated in underground storage facilities at end of July – Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine ex-Director General Makohon
As of July 31, underground gas storage facilities contained 5.05 billion cubic meters of active gas (or 9.65 billion cubic meters including active gas that performs a buffer function and is not subject to withdrawal).
Former Director General of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine Serhii Makohon announced this on his Facebook page, the Ukrainian News agency reports.
Makohon noted that the level of filling of underground storage facilities is 16.78% (by this date in 2024 - 20.44%, in 2023 - 25.18%).
He stated that in July, 830.8 million cubic meters of gas were imported to Ukraine, 90% of which was imported by Naftogaz.
A test import from Azerbaijan took place.
According to the announced plan of the Ministry of Energy for the formation of gas reserves in underground storage facilities for the winter of 2025/2026, as of November 1, 2025, the underground storage facilities should have 13.2 billion cubic meters, or 8.6 billion cubic meters of gas excluding the buffer (in 2023 the plan was 14.6 billion cubic meters).
"In my opinion, this is a rather low figure, which only slightly exceeds the actual level of last year (12.8 billion cubic meters). This means that without imports in winter, Ukraine will again exit the heating season with almost empty storage facilities," the former Director General wrote.
In the 2024/2025 season, only 7.56 billion cubic meters were withdrawn from underground storage facilities.
According to Makohon, there was simply nothing to withdraw, so in February-March it was necessary to urgently import gas.
During the 2023/2024 autumn-winter period, 8.65 billion cubic meters were withdrawn from the underground storage facilities.
According to Makohon, the Ministry of Energy does not consider it necessary to create an additional reserve in case of repeated attacks on production.
The former Director General of the State Gas Transmission and Distribution Company of Ukraine believes that a reserve of at least 14.6 billion cubic meters should be created.
If the gas is not used, it will simply be transferred to the next season.
Given the planned volume of 13.2 billion cubic meters, Makohon recommends that Naftogaz now contract at least 1.5 billion cubic meters for supply to Ukraine in January-March 2026.
Last year, this was not done, so in February it was necessary to buy gas urgently - at very high prices.
The average daily import volume is 26.8 million cubic meters, which is less than 50% of the available technical capabilities.
There is gas in Europe, and the price is now stable – USD 390-410 per 1,000 cubic meters.
Makohon said that the issue of imports is exclusively a matter of the availability of funds in Naftogaz.
The government has assistance tools: PrivatBank and Ukrgasbank have already provided UAH 4.7 billion in loans to Naftogaz.
Loans are expected from Oschadbank, Sense Bank and Ukreximbank.
"The adoption of bill No. 13439-3 will allow the budget to compensate for the difference in tariffs for district heating systems by UAH 44.7 billion. This will allow district heating systems to repay debts to Naftogaz, and the latter will be able to purchase gas. The idea is correct - the main thing is that everything is implemented promptly and Naftogaz receives funds on time. There are also rumors about additional loans from MFIs for the purchase of gas," Makohon said.
He noted that currently gas consumption in Ukraine is 20-22 million cubic meters per day.
With existing production and imports, it is possible to pump up to 55 million cubic meters per day.
Makohon concluded that there are chances to accumulate 13.2 billion cubic meters in underground storage facilities by November 1, the main thing is to actively import gas in August-October, while the market and weather allow.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, as of July 17, Ukraine had pumped over 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas into underground storage facilities.
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