Reserves exceed minimum norm by 2.8 bln cu m thanks to EU imports
Acting CEO of Naftogaz Serhiy Fedorenko told Reuters that Ukraine's underground gas storage reserves reached 16 bln cu m, the highest level since 2020. This volume was accumulated amid more than 400 Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in 2026. This was reported by Glavcom citing Reuters, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Gas reserves in Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities (UGS) reached 16 bln cu m. This is the highest result in six years, indicating the effectiveness of the company and state actions to ensure energy security. Acting CEO of Naftogaz of Ukraine Serhiy Fedorenko stated this during an interview with Reuters.
Exceeding the minimum norm
The formed reserve volume significantly exceeds the minimum necessary for a seamless heating season, which stands at 13.2 bln cu m. Thus, the country has an additional buffer of 2.8 bln cu m, allowing compensation for possible disruptions in domestic production or transit.
Growth in attack intensity
Successful accumulation occurred against the backdrop of a sharp increase in enemy attacks. In 2026, the number of strikes on Naftogaz assets doubled compared to the previous year and exceeded 400 cases. Facilities for extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials, as well as frontline thermal power plants, suffered damage.
Decline in consumption and import contracts
Total gas consumption in Ukraine is declining due to the shutdown of part of industrial production caused by hostilities. The company estimates that in 2026 this indicator will fall to 20 bln cu m against 21 bln cu m last year. To guarantee stable supplies, Naftogaz concluded contracts for importing energy resources from European partners for the period from December to March, including liquefied natural gas deliveries.
Consequences of October night shelling
The infrastructure of the Naftogaz group continues to suffer strikes. On the night of October 15, a Russian UAV damaged technological equipment of gas extraction infrastructure in the Poltava region, leading to a fire and suspension of operations. Earlier, on October 12, an attack by a reactive drone in the Kharkiv region also caused a fire, but employees managed to hide in shelters without casualties.
Illustrative photo: International Energy Agency / CC BY 4.0
