Ukraine to not be able to restore 30-40% of gas production during autumn-winter period - Director of Energy Research Center

The Russian attacks on compressor stations at gas facilities may leave Ukraine without 30-40% of gas production during the heating season, says Director of the Energy Industry Research Center Oleksandr Kharchenko.

During a briefing at the Media Center of Ukraine in Kyiv on Wednesday, Kharchenko said, "In my opinion, we will not restore about 30-40% of our domestic gas production during the heating season because the compressor stations have been destroyed."

He added that the issue of compressors is not only about money, considering they cost between $2.5 million and $5-$6 million each and dozens are needed, but also about their availability on the global market.

"Therefore, restoring gas production will take more than a year. It will take about 15-18 months for facilities where compressor capacities need to be restored," Kharchenko explained.

He noted that the loss of such capacities leads to a technical problem with maintaining pressure in the system and that this problem can be solved through production or imports.

Commenting on the need for an additional 4 billion cubic meters of gas imports for the heating period, as voiced by Naftogaz Ukrainy's Chairman Serhiy Koretsky, Kharchenko pointed out that "4 billion cubic meters means that Naftogaz is playing it safe, erring on the side of caution."

"Physically and quantitatively, we have enough gas. But unfortunately, there is a daily problem with maintaining pressure in the system. I think we will make it through the season even if we contract for 2-2.5 billion cubic meters in January-March," said the director of the Energy Industry Research Center.

Nevertheless, according to Kharchenko's forecasts, "Ukraine will enter April with almost empty storage facilities."