“Gas reserves in Ukraine’s storage facilities are approaching a historic low”, – expert said

Gas reserves in Ukraine’s storage facilities are approaching a historic low—around 10% of total capacity.

This was reported by Oleg Popenko, head of the Union of Utility Consumers, on his Telegram channel.

“Our underground gas storage (UGS) facilities have likely never had such minimal reserves. The UGS is gradually approaching a 10% fill level, at which point the projected daily gas withdrawal capacity will drop to 60 million cubic meters,” he wrote.

Popenko noted that the current average daily gas consumption is 110 million cubic meters. Domestic production provides 52 million cubic meters per day, while the remaining 58 million cubic meters must come from storage or imports.

“But if the temperature drops below freezing, consumption will rise to 140–150 million cubic meters per day, and the storage facilities will no longer be able to supply 90–100 million cubic meters in their designed operational mode,” the expert added.

According to him, Naftogaz could have purchased gas at $300 per thousand cubic meters but failed to do so. Now, it will be forced to buy it at $550–600.

Popenko also suggested that heating supply restrictions may be imposed.

Meanwhile, Stanislav Ihnatiev, chairman of the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, warned that power outages could return next week due to cold weather. However, Ukrenergo has denied this possibility.