---
title: "Naftogaz builds record gas buffer despite Russian strikes "
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/87558/naftogaz-builds-record-gas-buffer-despite-russian-strikes
published: 2026-10-18T11:01:26Z
language: en
author: "Rodica Mazur"
section: "International"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Naftogaz builds record gas buffer despite Russian strikes 

> Ukraine stored 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas in underground facilities ahead of the winter heating season, marking its highest reserve level since 2020 despite escalating Russian attacks.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/816762fb-7d18-4037-8573-ebea59af1a3c.jpg)

Ukraine stored 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas in underground facilities ahead of the winter heating season, marking its highest reserve level since 2020 despite escalating Russian attacks.

The figures were disclosed by Sergii Fedorenko, the acting chief executive of state energy company Naftogaz, in an interview with Reuters.

**Intensified strikes on energy infrastructure**

Fedorenko reported that Russian forces struck Naftogaz facilities more than 400 times since the beginning of 2026, doubling the attack volume recorded in 2025. The bombardments targeted oil and gas production, processing units, transport pipelines, and frontline thermal power plants.

*“Most of our facilities have faced enemy strikes this year. We are actively reinforcing our defenses and physical protection,”* said Fedorenko.

Ukraine entered the previous heating season with less than 14 billion cubic meters in reserve, while government forecasts estimate at least 13.2 billion cubic meters are required to navigate the winter months safely.

**Shifting demand and strategic imports**

The stockpile expansion was partly driven by declining industrial consumption, as sustained Russian artillery and missile strikes forced multiple heavy manufacturing plants to shutter. Naftogaz projects domestic gas consumption will fall to approximately 20 billion cubic meters in 2026, down from 21 billion cubic meters the previous year.

Despite continuous repair campaigns across damaged sites, Fedorenko warned that the operational environment remains precarious.

*“Every morning I wake up and immediately check my phone to see if any of our sites were struck overnight,”* said the Naftogaz chief.

Ukraine has not purchased natural gas directly from Russia since 2015, operating as a net importer through supply links in Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. Subzero winter temperatures paired with network damage forced Naftogaz to import a record 7.8 billion cubic meters throughout 2025 and early 2026.

**European storage hub capabilities**

To prepare for incoming winter demand, the company secured early import contracts exceeding one billion cubic meters, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounting for 25 percent of these forward deliveries scheduled between December and March.

Ukraine maintains the largest underground gas storage network in Europe, with an overall operational capacity of approximately 30 billion cubic meters. Kyiv has formally offered European Union member states access to up to 10 billion cubic meters of this subterranean network for strategic reserves.

Fedorenko emphasized that the storage caverns, engineered more than one kilometer underground, shield supplies from aerial bombardment and ensure swift transmission to Eastern European nations at the lowest storage tariffs on the continent.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

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