Ukraine ups gas imports by 30% in Jan-Aug – operator

Ukraine in January-August 2020, increased natural gas imports by 30%, up to 12.5 billion cubic meters, year-on-year, Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine reports.

Where Ukraine bought gas

During the reporting period, gas was imported exclusively from Europe, Gas TSO of Ukraine wrote, adding that Ukraine has been purchasing no gas from the Russian Federation since November 2015.

Read alsoNaftogaz raises gas price for households by over 45% in SeptAccording to the operator, in first eight months of 2020 alone, imports from Slovakia stood at 8 billion cubic meters (bcm), which is +35% on year, Hungary – at 3.2 bcm (+20%), and Poland – at 1.3 bcm (+34%).

The import volumes taken into account include a virtual reverse (backhaul), which first became available since year-start: from Hungary – at 2.3 bcm, Slovakia – at 1.6 bcm, and Poland – at 0.8 bcm.

Gas imports in August

In August 2020, Ukraine imported 3.4 bcm of natural gas, which is 67% more on year.

Background

• Ukraine in 2019 increased natural gas imports by 34.4%, or by 3.65 bcm, up to 14.25 bcm.
• The country in 2018 reduced natural gas imports by 24.6% from 2017, to 10.59 bcm.