Prime Minister: Government instructs Naftogaz to provide at least 19 billion cubic meters of gas in gas storage facilities at the beginning of the heating season

The Government is assessing several scenarios for maximum readiness for the heating season. This was emphasized by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a Government meeting on June 7.

According to the PM, Ukraine completed the heating season with 9 billion cubic meters of gas in gas storage facilities, after which their replenishment began immediately.

"As of June 1, 10 billion cubic meters of gas are stored in our underground storage facilities. This is 7.5%, or 700 million cubic meters more than, for example, the average figures for 2014-2018, "said Denys Shmyhal.

The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed Naftogaz to provide at least 19 billion cubic meters of gas in gas storage facilities at the beginning of the heating season.

Despite the fall in coal production due to the occupation of some facilities, according to the Prime Minister, the Government has alternative options for its transportation.

"At the beginning of the heating season, we expect to increase the volume of coal in warehouses to at least 2 million tons. This will ensure the stability of supplies for both individuals and businesses. The maximum figure we intend to accumulate is about 3 million tons of coal at the beginning of the heating season. We have set such a task for the Ministry of Energy, "the Prime Minister said.

Denys Shmyhal also noted that after the start of a large-scale russian invasion, electricity consumption in Ukraine fell by 30%. According to him, this provides an opportunity to provide the country and export electricity to European countries, through which our companies receive additional income and export revenue.

"Increasing the export potential of electricity to the EU is one of the key priorities in the field of energy and our European integration," the Prime Minister stressed.

According to the Head of Government, Ukraine's potential in this area is to generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually and help reduce the dependence of European countries on russian gas.