The Ministry of Economy clarified the words of the minister about the sufficiency of gas for the heating season in Ukraine

Gas pipeline Photo: Ministry of Economy

On January 22, Interfax, referring to the words of the Minister of Economy, Environmental Protection and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev, reported that on the eve of the winter period, Ukraine was able to collect 13.2 billion cubic meters. m of natural gas, but in order to successfully pass the winter, it is still necessary to import more than 4 billion cubic meters. m of gas. The Ministry of Economy quickly published an official clarification on this issue.

“The main part of the financing for this is already available. There is a lack of financing in the amount of about $100 million,” he said during the energy meeting at the Ukrainian House as part of the World Economic Forum.

Sobolev recalled that in the spring of 2025, Russia destroyed half of the gas production facilities, but they were restored by approximately 110% in just six months.

“In the fall, Russia destroyed 40% again. However, it has already been restored thanks to our partners and many great companies from the US and Europe that are helping with the restoration,” he emphasized.

The minister added that, in addition to Norway, international financial organizations (IFIs) also help in providing Ukraine with gas. Serhii Koretskyi, the head of the board of OJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, said that last year the company purchased 6 billion cubic meters of gas. m, hundreds of millions of cubic meters were delivered from the USA. According to him, at the moment the company does not have direct agreements with LNG sellers, but intensive negotiations with them continue, and we are currently cooperating with the Polish holding Orlen, which sells liquefied American gas on urgent requests.

Sobolev also noted that Ukraine needs help in providing equipment to support the functioning of the gas system in conditions of shelling: compressors, turbines and equipment for pumping gas into storage facilities and supplying it to end users.

The Ministry of Economy, Environmental Protection and Agriculture recognized these statements as inaccurate and stated the following:

• The need to import 4 billion m³ of natural gas refers to the entire heating season of 2025-2026, half of which the state has already passed.
• Accordingly, a significant part of this volume has already been purchased by Naftogaz of Ukraine, delivered to Ukraine and consumed by our citizens.
• As for the rest of the volume that will be imported in February-March, the Government together with Naftogaz of Ukraine and with the support of international partners provided most of the necessary financing.
• Unmet needs are estimated at 100 million dollars. At the moment, active work is underway to find the necessary financial resources.
• We emphasize: there are currently no threats regarding gas imports.
• We will remind you that the need to import 4 billion m³ in this heating season arose as a result of Russian attacks on gas production facilities and, accordingly, the loss of part of its own gas production.