New European gas strategy: Ukrainian GTS and gas storage facilities are key components

Ukraine's gas infrastructure has long been an important part of the European gas transportation system. According to the Ministry of Energy, more than 200 European traders use Ukraine's gas transportation infrastructure annually, and this number is only growing.

Mykola Kolisnyk, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, emphasized that even in the difficult time of war in Ukraine, the development of the gas market continues. New services of the GTS and UGS operators, such as the Vertical Corridor, reflect the continued strength of the infrastructure and the reliability of the partnership.

In his statement, Kolisnyk called on European traders to actively use Ukraine's capabilities and new supply routes. He emphasized that the Eastern European gas market is borderless, and the available infrastructure stimulates the development of a highly liquid gas market.

Diversification of natural gas supply routes is a key principle in the new market model. This is important to prevent price manipulation, which was previously done by Russia. Ukrainian gas storage facilities are becoming increasingly attractive to customers, which is confirmed by the NEURC's decision to increase the attractiveness of gas storage.

According to this decision, Ukrainian gas storage facilities are becoming more accessible to both domestic and foreign customers. This will help to increase capacity utilization and maintain gas stability.

The increased interest in Ukrainian gas storage facilities is explained not only by their huge capacity but also by their more attractive storage costs compared to the EU. This trend is prompting European traders to reconsider their strategies and turn to Ukrainian resources.

Ukraine, accordingly, plans to significantly increase the volume of gas stored by foreign traders in its gas storage facilities. This course is aimed at supporting and developing the European gas market, while ensuring timely and reliable supplies.