Ukraine's gas transport system ready for reverse flow after gas transit to Europe ends – govt source
Ukraine's gas transport system is technically prepared to operate in reverse mode after the contract for Russian natural gas transit to Europe expires at the end of this year, a government source said.
In conversations with journalists, the source emphasized that Naftogaz Ukrainy has confirmed the country's capability to supply gas to domestic consumers even without gas transiting to Europe.
When asked about the potential supply of natural gas in 2025 under contracts between European companies and Azerbaijan, the source stated that no such proposals have been made to the Ukrainian government at this time.
However, the source pointed out that under Article 272 of the Association Agreement with the EU, Ukraine is obligated to ensure gas transit if requested by European partners. He added that Hungary and Slovakia are not restricted by sanctions from purchasing pipeline gas.
As an example, the source cited the Hungarian company MOL, which has transitioned to buying Russian oil at the Belarusian border and transiting it via Ukraine’s oil pipeline. The Hungarian company has already made the first payment for these services, and this arrangement is preferable to previous dealings with Russia's Transneft.
According to the source, the Ukrainian government hopes Europe will eventually fully transition away from Russian energy, especially as alternative supplies grow and new transportation routes, like those from Croatia, become available and more affordable as volumes increase.
At the same time, the source mentioned that Slovakia and Hungary are currently not subject to such restrictions. These countries have provided significant support to Ukraine's war-damaged energy system by supplying electricity, with Hungary and Slovakia never denying emergency assistance during the war, unlike Poland, which has occasionally done so.
The source also highlighted the importance of building up reserves of diesel fuel in European countries neighboring Ukraine, noting that 12,000 diesel generators are in use in hospitals, and 80% of educational institutions are equipped with them. Businesses and households have also purchased large quantities of generators.