Natural gas reserves in Ukrainian underground gas storages (USFs) shrank by 2.6%, or 222 million cubic meters (mcm), on February 18-25, to 8.386 billion cubic meters (bcm) from 8.608 bcm, according to the state-run gas transport system operator Ukrtransgaz.
As reported, 23.5 mcm of gas was pumped from USFs February 25 alone.
Earlier, the Ukrainian government in September 2016 approved a schedule for preparations for the heating season. It also determined the volume of fuel reserves to provide heat and electricity to consumers. In particular, gas reserves in the underground storage facilities should be no less than 17 bcm. At the same time, gas reserves of 14.5 bcm are sufficient for the smooth heating season, according to NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine`s estimates.
Ukraine began the 2016-2017 heating season with gas reserves amounting to 14.7 bcm.
