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Ukraine may need to import up to 6.3 billion cubic metres of gas for the 2025/26 winter season, as war-related damage to key infrastructure has pushed gas reserves to a record low. Former gas transit chief Serhiy Makogon warns that urgent funding and months of high-capacity imports will be required
Ukraine may need to import up to 6.3 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas for the 2025/26 winter season, as its reserves have dropped to a historic low due to war-related damage to energy infrastructure, according to Serhiy Makogon, the former head of the country’s gas transit operator.
Posting on Telegram, Makogon explained that Ukraine was forced to accelerate gas withdrawals from storage and boost imports during the winter and spring after Russian missile strikes hit production facilities in the east.
Citing data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), he noted that as of April 16—marking the end of the heating season—gas storage levels had fallen to just 0.7 bcm, or 2.22% of total capacity, the lowest on record.
Makogon estimated Ukraine needs to accumulate at least 12.8 bcm of gas before next winter, including 4.6 bcm of buffer gas required to maintain operational pressure in the system. Based on domestic production, he calculated that imports of at least 5.5 bcm, and ideally 6.3 bcm, would be necessary.
In contrast, state energy firm Naftogaz has estimated the need at a lower 4.6 bcm. Even at that level, Makogon warned, the cost could reach up to $3 billion—while current funding can only cover about 0.4 bcm.
He emphasized that the government and Naftogaz must secure substantial financial support to close the gap. With existing infrastructure, Ukraine can inject up to 1.5 bcm of gas per month into storage, meaning a full four months of imports at maximum capacity will be needed to meet the target.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
The resignation of Bulgaria's government on Thursday (11 December) puts an end to an increasingly unpopular coalition but is likely to usher in a period of prolonged political instability on the eve of the Black Sea nation's entry into the euro zone.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised address to urge people across the country to take part in cancer screening programmes, officials confirmed.
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders, a U.S. official said.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
Lebanon is prepared to demarcate its border with Syria, President Joseph Aoun said on Friday, while noting that the dispute over the Shebaa Farms could be addressed at a later stage.
Greek farmers blocked the Port of Thessaloniki on Friday (12 December) as part of nationwide protests demanding delayed European Union subsidies and compensation for rising production costs and livestock losses.
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