**Ukraine Secures First Import of Azerbaijani Gas Amid Low Storage Reserves**
In a move to ensure sufficient gas supplies for the upcoming winter, Ukraine’s state energy giant Naftogaz has signed its first agreement to import natural gas from Azerbaijan. The deal comes as gas storage reserves have reached their lowest level in at least 11 years, largely due to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid.
The strikes have had a devastating impact on Ukraine’s domestic production, with Naftogaz losing half of its gas production capacity. As winter approaches, the country has accelerated gas imports to guarantee sufficient supplies before the heating season begins. The first agreement to supply Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine was signed with the Ukrainian subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar.
**A New Supply Pathway**
The inaugural test shipment is being delivered through the Trans-Balkan route along the Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine corridor, opening a new supply pathway for the country. This development provides access to Greek and Turkish liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals, as well as Romanian and potentially Bulgarian offshore production.
Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi hailed the deal as another example of diversifying supply sources for gas. “This is a small volume but strategically important step that paves the way for long-term cooperation,” he said. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk also commented on the agreement, stating that gas imports through the Trans-Balkan pipeline will provide Ukraine with access to various international energy markets.
**Diversification and Future Plans**
Beyond the Azerbaijan deal, Ukraine has secured multiple supply agreements for the upcoming winter. Naftogaz has signed four contracts with Poland’s Orlen for the delivery of 440 million cubic meters (mcm) of U.S. LNG. The latest agreement announced July 2 covers an additional 140 mcm.
According to Bloomberg estimates, Ukraine may import a record 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas from Europe in 2025. This significant increase in imports demonstrates the country’s efforts to diversify its energy supplies and reduce dependence on any single supplier.
**Conclusion**
The signing of this agreement marks an important step towards ensuring Ukraine’s energy security, particularly during the coming winter months. As the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by Russian aggression, securing reliable gas supplies from diverse sources is crucial for meeting domestic demand and maintaining economic stability.
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