Platts: Ukraine needs to import 7.23 Bcm of gas August 2014-March 2015: government

Ukraine will need to import 7.23 billion cubic meters of natural gas August 2014 through March 2015 to ensure the economy's steady operation during the high demand season, the government said on Friday.

The government expects most of the imports to come from Europe via several gas pipeline routes, since supplies from Russia were cut to zero June 16 following a dispute over prices and a debt payment schedule.

The figures were outlined in a government resolution on gas-use and import targets for the period, given the halt to imports from Russia. The resolution was approved on Wednesday.

The government estimated that Ukraine would consume 30.23 Bcm of gas in the period, with available resources estimated at 23 Bcm. These resources include 13.5 Bcm in domestic gas output and 9.5 Bcm of gas in underground storage facilities. This leaves 7.23 Bcm of demand that must be met by imports, the government said.
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