European companies began to refuse to use Ukrainian gas storage facilities, which creates serious economic risks for Ukraine. As reported by the Financial Times , the decision was dictated by the danger associated with the presence of gas in the war zone and the economic unprofitability of this step.
In particular, Marco Zaalfrank, head of trade in continental Europe at energy group Axpo, noted that "the price difference is not attractive enough to justify the risk of pumping gas into a war zone." This statement illustrates the general position of European energy companies, which try to minimize risks in the context of military operations and the unpredictability of the situation.
Ukrainian underground gas storages have traditionally been used by European companies as a reliable way to store fuel, especially in the autumn-winter period. However, the current war-related situation in Ukraine has led EU companies to look for alternative options for energy storage, even if it involves additional costs.
For Ukraine, such a trend can result in significant financial losses. Revenues from gas storage services have been an important source of foreign exchange for the country, especially amid war and economic instability. The loss of these revenues could deepen the economic problems that Kyiv is already facing.
