Ukraine's Gas Crisis: Winter Preps Hit by Russian Strikes

Ukraine's gas reserves are at their lowest in 12 years, with storage facilities now less than a third full, analysis firm ExPro reported on Wednesday. This situation follows sharp criticisms from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who accused Moscow of undermining Ukraine's winter preparations through targeted strikes.

ExPro highlighted that as of August 5, Ukraine had accumulated 10 billion cubic metres of gas in its underground storage, injecting one billion cubic metres over the past 19 days. The country requires about 13 billion cubic metres to adequately brace for winter, showing a current deficit. Storage facilities are at 32.3% capacity, a 9% drop compared to last year.

Uncertainty looms over how the recent attack on the Odesa region's gas interconnector, crucial for U.S. and Azeri gas imports, might affect future reserves. Increased gas withdrawals from storage and higher imports were necessary last winter due to military strikes in the east. The energy minister stated that Ukraine needs to import at least 4.6 bcm of gas for the 2025/26 winter season.

(With inputs from agencies.)