KYIV, April 1 (Reuters) - Ukraine sharply cut its natural gas imports on April 1, and analysts said they would likely remain low at least through April, with purchases possibly increasing if prices on
Ukraine's Gas Imports Plunge as High Prices Curb Further Purchases
Ukraine's Gas Import Trends and Market Impact
Sharp Reduction in Gas Imports
KYIV, April 1 (Reuters) - Ukraine sharply cut its natural gas imports on April 1, and analysts said they would likely remain low at least through April, with purchases possibly increasing if prices on the European market decline.
The war in Iran has sent global gas and oil prices surging.
Import Data and Sources
Data from the gas transmission system operator showed Ukraine planned to import 0.8 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas import, exclusively from Poland, on Wednesday against 23 mcm on Tuesday.
In the January-to-March period, Ukraine received gas from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.
Impact of Russian Attacks on Gas Production
After Russia stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian gas production late last year, Ukraine, which previously imported only small volumes of gas, was forced to increase daily imports to around 24 mcm.
The transmission system operator did not respond to a request for comment.
Market Prices and Future Outlook
European Price Influence
"The drop in imports was driven by high natural gas prices in Europe, which throughout March remained above levels in Ukraine. On average, gas in Europe traded 9 euros per MWh higher in March than on the Ukrainian market," analysts at ExPro consultancy said in a report.
"Gas import volumes are expected to remain low throughout April," it added.
Storage Levels and Domestic Supply
ExPro said Ukraine can afford not to import gas in April, given that storage levels are higher than a year ago.
Gas Storage and Heating Season
Ukraine ended the 2025/26 heating season on March 10 and gas reserves in storage stood at 9.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), 1.6 times higher than a year earlier, the consultancy said.
Energy minister Denys Shmyhal has said Ukraine intends to start the 2026/27 heating season with at least 13 bcm of gas in underground storage – roughly the same volume as in the previous season.
Domestic Production vs. Imports
Analysts say Ukraine can acquire the gas needed for the next heating season from domestic production, without resorting to costly imports.
(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Joe Bavier)
