Chernyshov: Ukraine will be able to get through next heating season without gas imports

Oleksiy Chernyshov, CEO of Naftogaz of Ukraine, believes that Ukraine will be able to get through the 2023-2024 heating season without importing gas.

"In 2023, we plan to produce 13.5 billion cubic meters of gas. We also have certain expectations from private producers. This year, there will be enough Ukrainian gas to get through the 2023-2024 heating season without imports," Chernyshov told NV in an interview, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of Naftogaz.

Chernyshov noted that war risks remain and that is why Naftogaz acceded to the Aggregate EU joint gas purchasing mechanism. According to him, if there is not enough fuel in case of negative developments, the company will be able to quickly order the necessary volumes.

"But I repeat, this is only a war factor. In general, Ukraine ranks second in Europe in terms of confirmed gas reserves. And we must finally start using this potential," the CEO of Naftogaz stressed.

As reported, at the beginning of May 2023, JSC Naftogaz and mayors of Ukrainian cities started preparations for 2023-2024 heating season.