Ukraine has accumulated 16 billion cubic meters of gas / Storage facilities have reached their highest level since 2020

Raluca Ioana Draghici

18 October 2026, 07:22

International

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Ukraine has accumulated 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas in underground storage facilities, the highest level recorded since 2020, ahead of the cold season. The information was provided by Sergii Fedorenko, acting general director of state-owned Naftogaz, in an interview with Reuters.

The level of reserves gives Ukraine an important buffer for the winter period, as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have intensified. Underground storage facilities are essential for ensuring domestic consumption during the colder months and maintaining the stability of the energy system.

Reaching the 16 billion cubic meter threshold represents a significant development for Ukraine, which has faced major risks to energy production, transport and distribution in recent years. Attacks on energy facilities have repeatedly targeted critical infrastructure, causing outages and placing additional pressure on the authorities.

Sergii Fedorenko’s statement indicates that Naftogaz has managed to replenish its gas reserves ahead of the cold season, despite the difficult security conditions. In the cited information, the company did not provide details on the distribution of the reserves or the estimated level of consumption over the winter.

Context: Ukraine prepares for the cold season amid a European climate marked by limited reserves and volatile prices

Before the announcement regarding the level of stocks in underground storage facilities, earlier news described a winter with potential difficulties for Europe, against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and reduced imports from Russia. There were concerns that reserves might not be sufficient and that prices could rise, which could require measures to limit consumption or make additional purchases.

At the same time, some states were trying to secure their supplies. Norway announced that its export system was ready to respond to high demand during the following cold season, while Romania reported filling levels above the EU average and storage targets through the beginning of October, amid high quotations on the gas market.

These developments are taking place within a framework in which European and national authorities are pursuing the filling of storage facilities and reducing consumption, while preparations for winter are influenced by gas availability and conditions in international markets.