For the first time, Ukraine will rely on domestically produced gas to pass through the winter, Oleksiy Chernyshov, CEO of Naftogaz of Ukraine, has told the news telethon.
"I would like to remind you that we are increasing our own gas production, and its figures are growing. In 2023, Naftogaz drilled a record number of new wells, and we will continue this trend next year. We plan to get through this winter with gas produced in Ukraine, and our calculations confirm this possibility," Chernyshov said.
He is also convinced that the heating season will go smoothly, not only in terms of gas supply, but also in terms of the unchanged price of gas for households.
"We are absolutely confident about the upcoming winter. We have enough gas and the tariffs are stable. Therefore, I ask all consumers to ensure energy efficiency measures and treat this type of energy responsibly. This is Ukrainian production, our common achievement," Chernyshov added.
Over four months, Naftogaz has purchased more than 700m cu.m. of gas from private producers on the exchange.
Earlier, the Ministry of Energy noted that the Ukrainian gas transport system and underground storage facilities are ready to operate in conditions of zero transit of Russian gas. Also, the gas transport system is ready for the 2023/2024 winter season in the face of war challenges, and domestic facilities can be used as reliable storage for European gas.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also said that Ukraine is better prepared for a new stage of energy terror from Russia this heating season, which has already begun.