Ukraine has begun importing gas through Slovakia to hasten the stockpiling of reserves for the winter.

Ukraine has started importing gas through Slovakia, said Serhiy Makogon, the former head of the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator.

“Previously, imports came from Hungary and Poland, but the cheaper Hungarian route is already loaded, so suppliers are forced to buy more expensive capacity from Slovakia,” he detailed.

According to him, the average daily import currently stands at about 14.5 million cubic meters, but to accumulate 13.6 billion cubic meters by November 1, it is necessary to increase imports by 100-200%. Slovakia has the largest import capacity, with 42 million cubic meters per day.

To meet last year’s planned underground storage gas reserve targets, Ukraine needs to import at least an additional five billion cubic meters by November 1, which amounts to approximately 870 million cubic meters per month or 29 million cubic meters per day. This requires $2-2.5B, $0.4B of which has already been provided by donors, with the potential for more support.