“Naftogaz”: the issue of resuming gas exports should be determined by the state authorities
3 April 2024 17:06
ЕКСКЛЮЗИВ
In recent weeks, discussions on the resumption of gas exports have intensified in Ukraine. In particular, a number of relevant statements about the need for exports and the lifting of the government’s ban have been made by representatives of government agencies and the energy community. Komersant ukrainskyi 
inquired about the position of the energy company Naftogaz of Ukraine on this issue.
We asked the company to comment on these statements and voice its position on the resumption of gas exports, Ukraine’s ability to start them, and outline the prospects for implementing such an initiative.
In response, the company said that in the context of a full-scale war, this issue is not only related to the energy sector, but also to energy security, and therefore should be addressed by other bodies.
“The company is only one of the stakeholders that has no direct influence on the formation of public policy. Thus, the issue of resuming gas exports should be determined by the state authorities. 3 taking into account all the security, economic, domestic and foreign policy factors that may affect the country’s stability in times of war,”
– naftogaz said in its response.
The need to lift the ban on gas exports has recently been voiced by the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission. Energy experts and MPs also support this step. According to Andriy Zhupanin, chairman of the relevant parliamentary subcommittee, MPs plan to address the National Security and Defence Council and the Cabinet of Ministers on this issue, as “the Ukrainian economy desperately needs money, and Europe needs Ukrainian gas”. The National Security and Defence Council said it was ready to discuss the issue.
For the first time, Ukraine passed the 2023-2024 heating season exclusively with domestically produced gas. Out of 15.2 bcm of gas accumulated in underground storage facilities at the beginning of the season, Ukraine used 6.7 bcm and has already started the season of gas injection into storage facilities. According to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, the state also plans to cover all of the country’s consumption with domestically produced gas throughout 2024.
The ban on gas exports has been in place in Ukraine since 4 March 2022 as part of energy security measures in the context of a full-scale war with Russia.
