Gas stocks in Ukraine`s underground storage facilities shrank by 1.8%, or 154 million cubic meters (mcm), to 8.232 billion cubic meters (bcm) February 25 through March 4, from 8.386 bcm, according to the operator of the Ukrainian gas transport system, state-owned company Ukrtransgaz.
On March 4 alone, 16.51 mcm was taken from the underground storage facilities, it said.
Earlier, the Ukrainian government in September 2016 approved a schedule of preparations for the 2016-2017 heating season. In particular, it defined amounts of fuel stocks needed to provide consumers with heating services and power supply.
The Ukrainian government determined that gas stocks in the underground storage facilities should not be less than 17 bcm.
At the same time, NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine claims that 14.5 bcm is enough for a smooth heating season.
Ukraine had 14.7 bcm of gas at the beginning of the 2016-2017 heating season.
