Ukraine has record low natural gas reserves - energy expert Omelchenko

He said this on the air of Espreso.

"Today, Ukraine has a capacity deficit in the energy system. This deficit arose due to hostile attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. More than 75% of all Ukrainian generation was destroyed or damaged. The deficit is also affected by a decrease in temperature. In the next two weeks, the average temperature is forecast to be about -6 degrees Celsius," - said Omelchenko.

According to the expert, due to the shortage of natural gas, Naftogaz began importing gas to balance the situation on the energy market.

"Ukraine now has record low reserves of natural gas in underground storage. Since February 7, natural gas reserves in Ukraine have decreased by less than 10% of the design capacity of underground gas storage facilities. Such record low gas reserves have never been in Ukraine. 

Today, Ukraine has 2.9 billion m³ of natural gas. This is less than 10% of the design capacity of underground gas storage facilities. This creates huge problems. Although Naftogaz announced that they would not import gas, they are already doing it. Naftogaz will be forced to import even more in order to balance the situation on the energy market," he said.

• On February 5, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said that Ukraine is offering the US its underground gas storage facilities. Kyiv is also offering American business to participate in the reconstruction.
• On February 6, President of the Association "Gas Traders of Ukraine" Andriy Myzovets said that the future gas deficit will need to be covered by external purchases