Ukraine is negotiating with international partners to increase natural gas imports by approximately 30%.
Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk said this at a briefing on Tuesday, October 7, Ukrinform reports.
“One of the issues [in our talks with partners] has indeed been the need for additional gas imports,” Hrynchuk said.
She noted that EUR 500 million in loans had already been secured through the EBRD specifically for gas purchases, with another EUR 300 million via the EIB.
“We have just discussed options to expand these loans, and with some countries, we are also exploring grant-based assistance to increase natural gas imports,” Hrynchuk added.
According to the minister, the plan is to increase gas imports by roughly 30% compared to previously planned volumes. Most of the additional imports are expected between October and December, though some imports will also occur in other months of the heating season.
Hrynchuk also discussed providing energy workers with humanitarian assistance in the form of repair equipment, particularly for restoring power networks in frontline regions.
On October 3, Russia carried out its largest attack on Naftogaz gas production facilities since February 2022, launching 35 missiles and 60 drones. The facilities were damaged again on October 5.
Photo: mepr.gov.ua