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Ukraine hopes to boost winter gas storage for Europe by 60%.

Ukraine intends to keep around 4 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas for foreign companies and traders this winter season, up 60% from last year, regardless of Russian airstrikes on the nation's energy infrastructure, the head of Ukraine's state energy company stated.

Storing gas assists Ukraine to collect profits while supplying Europe with additional supply flexibility after the continent cut Russian gas imports because of Moscow's intrusion of Ukraine.

Oleksiy Chernyshov, chief executive of Naftogaz, informed Russia had assaulted the company's infrastructure five times because March, in the first such attacks considering that the war began in February 2022.

He stated the underground storage was not harmed however Naftogaz was dealing with strengthening defences as gas pumping facilities above ground are more susceptible.

Underground centers, mainly in western Ukraine, have a. capability of 31 bcm. That is enough to cover Ukraine's annual. needs and permit storage of surplus volumes from Europe to be. launched during peak demand in the northern hemisphere winter season.

Chernyshov said foreign traders had actually resumed pumping gas into. the storage in recent days. He stated volumes were small so far,. however he anticipated them to increase later this year when the heating. season methods.

He did not supply volumes of gas saved up until now or the name. of those that have actually kept gas.

Traditionally, Ukraine's storage was utilized by neighbours such. as Poland, but Naftogaz has stated it has actually talked to companies as far. away as France to enhance the variety of clients.

We remain in a duration of European shippers' meetings where we. settle on the volumes of (gas) injection. They (the Russians) goal. to challenge us as an energy center with storage capacities,. Chernyshov said.

Russian authorities have actually said Moscow was assaulting Ukraine's. energy centers in retaliation for Ukrainian drone attacks on. Russian refineries.

Chernyshov said the business had about 100 contracts with. foreign traders to store gas. Russia continues to supply gas to. Europe through Ukraine under a transit deal that is set to expire in. December. Ukraine has stated it does not prepare to renew it.

(source: Reuters)