Naftogaz prepares for the most challenging winter period in early 2027

Ukraine intends to purchase natural gas during the coldest months of the year. According to Naftogaz management estimates, the first quarter of 2027 will be critical, as it coincides with the peak of the heating season.

Forecast for the most challenging period

Acting CEO of Naftogaz, Serhiy Fedorenko, stated this during the Kyiv International Economic Forum. He emphasised that the beginning of next year carries the highest risk of intensified Russian attacks on gas infrastructure facilities.

«Ми будемо імпортувати газ у пік сезону. "Найважча битва", назвемо це так, буде у першому кварталі 2027 року. Адже минулого року масовані атаки по видобутку всієї України були у лютому, тоді за одну ніч у нас впав видобуток приблизно на 50%. І ми готуємось до схожих та найгірших сценаріїв» (We will be importing gas at the peak of the season. The "hardest battle", let us call it that, will be in the first quarter of 2027. Because last year, mass attacks on production across all of Ukraine took place in February, when our production dropped by approximately 50% in a single night. And we are preparing for similar and worst-case scenarios), Fedorenko said.

Status of gas storage facilities and preparations

Currently, Ukraine holds the largest gas reserves in underground storage facilities in the past six years. Despite this, the company is actively working on protecting facilities, purchasing additional equipment, and designing routes for gas exports.

«Ми готові до складного протистояння. Чогось легкого ми не очікуємо. Тому всі ресурси для цього ми зібрали» (We are ready for a difficult confrontation. We do not expect anything easy. Therefore, we have gathered all the resources for this), the head of Naftogaz added.

Russia's strategy and recommendations for business

According to Fedorenko, Russia's main objective for the winter period is to create a gas shortage for end consumers, even if the resource is available in the system. Russia aims to fragment the gas supply network to prevent gas delivery to homes and apartments.

Naftogaz is aware of these risks and is preparing for them. At the same time, Fedorenko called on businesses and private consumers to consider alternative energy sources in case of a possible disruption in gas supply.

«Росія хоче фрагментувати мережу газового постачання. Тож відповіддю на такі виклики є мультиенергетичність бізнесів та приватних споживачів… Тому потрібно мати декілька відповідей, як заживляти своє підприємством якимось видом енергії» (Russia wants to fragment the gas supply network. Therefore, the response to such challenges is the multi-energy approach of businesses and private consumers... Therefore, it is necessary to have several answers on how to power your enterprise with some form of energy), he stressed.