Ukrnafta starts using pipes made of structured polyethylene for oil transportation
JSC Ukrnafta has started using pipes made of structured polyethylene for oil and formation water transportation, the company reported on Monday.
"Pipes are selected individually — depending on the medium, pressure and temperature. Their service life is 20-25 years, compared to 3-5 years for steel pipes. They have a smooth internal surface, which reduces deposits, and are not subject to corrosion," said Ukrnafta CEO Bohdan Kukura.
As the company explained, a pilot project in this direction started in 2024: 600 meters of new pipeline were put into pilot operation, confirming the solution’s effectiveness and the feasibility of further modernization.
In 2025, company specialists developed a program to replace the most critical sections of steel pipelines with a total length of 12 kilometers. Installation is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
"In 2027, we plan to purchase pipes and replace approximately 20 more kilometers of pipelines — in sections where it is technologically feasible and will provide the greatest effect for transportation reliability," the company said.
Ukrnafta is Ukraine’s largest oil production company and operates the largest national network of gas stations — UKRNAFTA. The company owns 1,807 oil and 164 gas production wells.
In 2024, the company took over management of Glusco assets. In 2025, it completed a deal with Shell Overseas Investments BV to purchase Shell’s network in Ukraine. Overall, it operates 663 gas stations.
