Will there be gas rationing schedules this winter? Parliament provides clarification
8 April 10:12
Preparations for the upcoming heating season in Ukraine depend primarily on the government’s financial capacity to purchase the necessary volumes of gas. Currently, there is no physical gas shortage in Europe, and the technical capabilities for importing and injecting gas into storage facilities are fully in place.
This was stated by MP Serhiy Nahorniak to “Telegraf,” as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to him, the main challenge remains securing funding, just as it did last year, when Naftogaz of Ukraine attracted loans and international grants.
Key factors for stability and risks
The MP highlighted several factors affecting the winter season:
- Price gap: on the European market, gas costs about 38,000 hryvnias per thousand cubic meters, while the Ukrainian population receives it at a rate of approximately 8,000 hryvnias. The difference is offset by domestic production.
- Storage facility security: Ukrainian UGS facilities are located deep underground, which protects them from missile strikes. Above-ground infrastructure is vulnerable, but even damage to it has not previously led to a complete halt in supply.
- Rationing schedules: Nagornyak considers the introduction of gas rationing schedules (similar to those for electricity) an unrealistic scenario.
- Cogeneration: Due to a lack of funds, Naftogaz is temporarily not selling gas to heating companies at preferential rates for electricity generation; however, this support may resume in the fall in the event of a power grid shortage.
A separate issue remains the Russian Federation’s constant attacks on gas production facilities, which affect the volume and quality of the extracted resource. However, the situation remains under control.
