Ukraine imports natural gas at a pace that is twice as low as necessary for the formation of a reliable stock for the heating season. About it reports liga.net with reference to data of energy analysts.
According to the publication, the average import in May amounted to 15-20 million cubic meters a day, while at least 50 million cubic meters a day is required to reach the target volume of 14 billion cubic meters. The current rate of pumping to underground storage facilities is estimated at 25 million cubic meters per day.
Analysts warn that due to the possible increase in gas demand in Asia, prices on European hubs can go up sharply in the fall. This will complicate the further increase in stocks and can create risks to pass the heating period.
Slovakia remains the only direction that can ensure a significant increase in imports. However, only a small part of the available capacity is used: only 9 million is used out of 36 million cubic meters a day.
Slow accumulation of stocks and rising prices on the market is posed by Ukraine serious challenges on the eve of winter, experts say.
