**Ukraine’s Naftogaz Brings New High-Yield Gas Well Online**
In a major boost to the country’s energy supplies, Ukraine’s state energy giant Naftogaz has commissioned a new exploration well that is producing 383,000 cubic meters of natural gas per day. This achievement comes as a significant relief for a country that has been struggling with a severe shortage of gas.
Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi hailed the development as a major success, given Ukraine’s pressing need for gas. The company produces the majority of Ukrainian gas, but its production facilities were severely damaged in Russian missile strikes earlier this year, reducing output by up to 40%.
**Wartime Production Efforts**
Despite the challenges posed by war, Naftogaz has managed to increase commercial gas production to 13.9 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2024 compared to 13.2 bcm in 2023. The company commissioned 83 new wells, a testament to its ability to adapt and operate under difficult conditions.
Ukraine’s gas production was previously around 52 million cubic meters daily before Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, the country required 110-140 million cubic meters during winter months to meet demand, with the shortfall covered by underground storage.
**Russian Strikes Take a Toll**
Russian strikes have repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, including a devastating combined missile and drone attack on February 11 that damaged Naftogaz production facilities in Poltava Oblast. As a result, Ukrgazvydobuvannya lost about 50% of its production due to shelling.
**Securing Winter Supplies**
To ensure a stable gas supply for winter, Naftogaz has signed four contracts with Poland’s Orlen for the delivery of 440 million cubic meters of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). The latest agreement covers an additional 140 million cubic meters.
According to Bloomberg estimates, Ukraine may import a record 5 billion cubic meters of gas from Europe in 2025, highlighting the country’s growing reliance on imports.
**Gas Storage Concerns**
Ukraine’s gas storage situation has also deteriorated significantly, with underground reserves falling to 6.02 bcm as of May 11 – the lowest level in at least 11 years. The facilities are operating at just 19.4% capacity, with 2.79 billion cubic meters less gas available than the previous year.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
