How Much Gas Does Ukraine Need to Accumulate for the 2026-2027 Heating Season

Ukraine is actively preparing for the upcoming heating season of 2026-2027. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal outlined key guidelines for gas stockpiling during a meeting of the Crisis Committee with representatives of leading companies in the fuel and energy sector.

This is reported by AgroReview

Determined Gas Volumes and Main Scenarios

Based on the approved forecast balance of natural gas inflow and distribution, the baseline scenario anticipates accumulating at least 14.6 billion cubic meters of gas in underground storage facilities by the start of the heating period. At the same time, considering the complex security situation due to the ongoing war and constant attacks by Russia on gas infrastructure, these figures may be adjusted depending on the developments.

“Our benchmark remains the experience of previous heating seasons: the presence of natural gas in UGS should not be less than 13.2 billion cubic meters at the start of the heating season. This will allow us to get through the winter stably, even under low temperatures and massive attacks. Thus, 13.2 billion cubic meters has been defined as the critically necessary minimum,” said the minister.

Strategies for Ensuring Stable Winter Passage

Denys Shmyhal identified key tasks for ensuring stable gas supply to the country during the heating season:

• Signing contracts for the import of natural gas within specified deadlines;
• Filling storage facilities during periods of the lowest market prices;
• Diversifying supply routes for energy resources.

Currently, Naftogaz of Ukraine and the Gas Transmission System Operator are working on reserving additional capacities for imports and continuing the use of route products from the “Vertical Gas Corridor.” Additionally, the issue of preparing for a large-scale repair campaign for the energy sector has been considered.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression in February 2022, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been subjected to systematic strikes. Since the fall of 2025, the intensity of attacks on energy facilities has noticeably increased, leading to temporary power outages and the introduction of blackout schedules in many regions. With the arrival of spring, the situation has partially improved due to increased generation from solar power plants.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on March 24 that Russian troops continue their actions to destroy the Ukrainian energy system. According to the Security Service of Ukraine, Russia’s strikes on energy infrastructure are classified as crimes against humanity. During the 2025 heating season, at least 256 aerial attacks on the country’s energy facilities and heating systems were recorded.

At the same time, in early February 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia had allegedly not attacked civilian facilities, asserting that Ukraine had started striking their energy facilities.