Ukraine in 2025/2026 winter season increases gas consumption by 30% – Shmyhal

Gas consumption in the 2025/2026 autumn-winter period is 30% higher than in the previous season, reaching an average daily figure of 130 million cubic meters, said First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

"Gas consumption this year due to weather conditions is higher than last year, approximately 30%. Both in January and February. Today is the first day when consumption equaled the same day last year. Last year was a fairly warm winter, and we consumed approximately 100 million cubic meters per day, this year — an average of 130 million cubic meters. But we also have 2 billion cubic meters more reserves in storage, and this gives us confidence that we are calmly getting through this heating season even with such high consumption," Shmyhal said at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada's energy committee Thursday.

According to him, the risks of gas shortages are moderate, and Naftogaz Ukrainy this year "for greater insurance" began importing part of the gas directly into the pipeline.

"The situation with gas regarding its reserves is better than last year, and we feel confident. Of course, the Russians are trying to attack our gas facilities. But military risks have accompanied us all four wartime winters," the energy minister noted.

He added that all necessary gas infrastructure facilities are protected by the first level of protection (gabions, big bags), and many are protected by the second level (concrete structures).

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy also pointed out that coal reserves this year are the largest in history, but its consumption by thermal generation is low.

"There will be no more generation this month. The consequences of the attacks are quite significant," he added.