Until the next winter, Ukraine may be needed to import gas by several billion dollars - all because of a record low in underground storage. About it reports Reuters , referring to the expert on energy and former head of the gas transit operator Sergei Makakon.
According to him, the situation was aggravated by the forced increase in gas selection from the feuds and imports this winter and spring. The reason was Russian rocket strokes on mining facilities in eastern Ukraine, which significantly damaged the infrastructure.
Makogon noted that as of April 16, the reserves in repositories were "the lowest in history" and amounted to only 0.7 billion cubic meters - 2.22% of the full capacity of Ukrainian PSGs.
In order to take the next winter, Ukraine has to accumulate at least 12.8 billion cubic meters of gas. Of these, 4.6 billion is the so -called buffer or technological gas required to maintain pressure in storage.
According to the expert, even with the domestic production, the country will require at least 5.5 billion cubic meters, and preferably 6.3 billion. At the same time, current financial capabilities allow you to cover only about 0.4 billion cubic meters.
Although Naftogaz voiced a more optimistic scenario - 4.6 billion cubic meters of imports - this is still not enough without additional funding.
Makogon emphasizes that the government and Naftogaz will have to seek additional resources urgently in order not to be in the energy trap on the eve of the cold season.
