Ukraine is preparing to start regular deliveries of American liquefied natural gas in the coming days, which will arrive through European Union countries via a new route. According to the plan, the fuel will be transported to Ukraine in a reverse direction from Greece, passing through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova.
This is reported by Business • Media
Need for Additional Gas Imports
Following last winter’s heating season, Ukraine was left with a historically low volume of gas in underground storage – only 0.67 billion cubic meters. Domestic gas production is insufficient due to a significant reduction in output caused by constant shelling from Russia. To ensure stable passage through the next heating season, it is necessary to purchase an additional 5 to 8 billion cubic meters of gas from external markets by October. Gas injection into underground storage began in the second half of April, and current imports reach 20–21 million cubic meters daily.
New Supply Opportunities and Auction
Thanks to the new import route through Greece, Ukraine will be able to receive approximately 3 million cubic meters of American LNG per day. To facilitate these supplies, the first single auction for capacity distribution at all points of the “Trans-Balkan Corridor” is scheduled for May 29. This will enable the transportation of gas to begin as early as June.
“Currently, imports via the new route are projected until October, and during this period, they could amount to approximately 400 million cubic meters.”
Thus, the new supply route for American LNG will help Ukraine strengthen its energy security and ensure the necessary gas reserves for the 2025 heating season.