Ukrainian gas and oil production companies are working to ensure Ukraine’s energy independence.

State company Ukrgazvydobuvannya plans to increase gas production from new wells to one billion cubic meters in 2023, director of exploration and company development Maksym Vityk said.

“We managed to double the drilling of wells compared to last year. This increase, combined with 3D seismic surveys, makes it possible to increase gas production from new wells to the highest rate since Ukrainian independence in 1991,” Vityk said.

He added that the company intends to expand seismic research by almost 15,000 square km in the next few years.

Meanwhile, Ukrnafta has drilled seven new wells and is putting them into operation, and two more wells are in the preparation process. This means that nine new oil wells will be commissioned in 2023. Ukrnafta also signed contracts with Canadian and American companies interested in working in Ukrainian fields.