Ukrainian gas consumption soars amid infrastructure attacks: urgent call for energy conservation
In recent days, Ukraine has experienced a significant and unexpected increase in natural gas consumption.
According to Natalia Boiko, a member of the supervisory board of Naftogaz Ukraine, gas usage has risen by approximately 20% compared to the same period last year.
This surge is primarily driven by Ukrainians actively using gas for heating their homes during the cold autumn months.
Experts warn, however, that such increased consumption poses risks amid ongoing war and infrastructure destruction, emphasizing the urgent need to conserve energy resources.
Boiko called on Ukrainians to use gas as efficiently as possible, stressing that excessive consumption could lead to shortages during the coldest winter months.
The country continues to face frequent large-scale attacks on its gas pipelines and storage facilities, which have already cost lives and caused severe damage to critical infrastructure.
Efforts are underway to restore damaged facilities, but progress remains slow and resource-intensive.
Ukraine is also seeking financial aid—around 2 billion euros—and is negotiating with the United States on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to ensure a stable heating season and prevent an energy crisis during winter.
Additionally, Ukraine plans to purchase approximately 4 billion cubic meters of gas to meet winter demands with minimal disruptions, adding urgency to its energy security measures amid ongoing hostilities.