Ukraine accumulates 2M tonnes of coal, 13 bcm of natural gas – PM Shmyhal

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a meeting of the Ukrainian government, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Shmyhal, the energy sector issues and preparations for the heating season are the top priority objectives for the Government of Ukraine now.

“As of late August, we managed to accumulate 2 million tonnes of coal in warehouses. It is about threefold higher compared to the same period last year. Ukrainian mines are working 24/7. We are building up all the possible reserves,” Shmyhal told.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities contain 13 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Over the past month, more than 1 billion cubic meters has been pumped in.

“We are actively holding talks with international partners to receive funds in order to purchase additional natural gas volumes. In particular, the Government of Norway is planning to allocate at least EUR 200 million in relevant assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, we are talking about the transfer of not only funds for the purchase of natural gas on European exchanges but also physical gas volumes,” Shmyhal noted.

Meanwhile, public utility bills will remain unchanged for household consumers. The Government agreed on fixed gas volumes required for heating and hot water supply services with 605 thermal power producers for a period from August 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023.

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