By 30 August, Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities had already accumulated 14 billion cubic metres of gas. Last year, this figure was only reached in early October.

This was stated by Naftogaz Group CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov in his interview with the Kyiv Independent.

To get through the heating season, Ukraine needs a total of 14.7 billion cubic meters of gas in UGS facilities.

"We have managed to get ahead of schedule by developing our own gas production. Naftogaz Group presently demonstrates highest drilling rates for the last 15 years. Since January 2023 alone, 54 wells (including new and post-workover wells) have been put into operation. Thanks to this progress, additional daily production of gas represents approximately 5 million cubic metres,” commented the Naftogaz CEO.

According to Chernyshov, Naftogaz Group has already purchased up to 800 million cubic metres of gas from private Ukrainian producers over the summer of 2023. This has not only increased the country’s fuel reserves, but has also helped private producers raise funds to continue their operations.

The Naftogaz CEO also noted that the success of the heating season depends on all Ukrainians and called for careful use of energy resources.

Earlier it was confirmed that the cost of gas for heat production for households and budgetary institutions will remain unchanged for the upcoming heating season.

KeyFacts Energy: Naftogaz Ukraine country profile