Finance
Ukraine's Gas Imports Tumble, Further Imports Expected to Be Low
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 1, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
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Ukraine’s natural gas imports plunged from 23 mcm on March 31 to just 0.8 mcm on April 1, driven by elevated European prices. Analysts expect imports to stay low through April, while Ukraine's strong storage reserves provide a buffer.
Ukraine's Gas Imports Plunge as High Prices Curb Further Purchases
Ukraine's Gas Import Trends and Market Impact
Sharp Reduction in Gas Imports
KYIV, April 1 (Reuters) - Ukraine sharply cut its natural gas imports on April 1, and analysts said they would likely remain low at least through April, with purchases possibly increasing if prices on the European market decline.
The war in Iran has sent global gas and oil prices surging.
Import Data and Sources
Data from the gas transmission system operator showed Ukraine planned to import 0.8 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas import, exclusively from Poland, on Wednesday against 23 mcm on Tuesday.
In the January-to-March period, Ukraine received gas from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.
Impact of Russian Attacks on Gas Production
After Russia stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian gas production late last year, Ukraine, which previously imported only small volumes of gas, was forced to increase daily imports to around 24 mcm.
The transmission system operator did not respond to a request for comment.
Market Prices and Future Outlook
European Price Influence
"The drop in imports was driven by high natural gas prices in Europe, which throughout March remained above levels in Ukraine. On average, gas in Europe traded 9 euros per MWh higher in March than on the Ukrainian market," analysts at ExPro consultancy said in a report.
"Gas import volumes are expected to remain low throughout April," it added.
Storage Levels and Domestic Supply
ExPro said Ukraine can afford not to import gas in April, given that storage levels are higher than a year ago.
Gas Storage and Heating Season
Ukraine ended the 2025/26 heating season on March 10 and gas reserves in storage stood at 9.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), 1.6 times higher than a year earlier, the consultancy said.
Energy minister Denys Shmyhal has said Ukraine intends to start the 2026/27 heating season with at least 13 bcm of gas in underground storage – roughly the same volume as in the previous season.
Domestic Production vs. Imports
Analysts say Ukraine can acquire the gas needed for the next heating season from domestic production, without resorting to costly imports.
(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Joe Bavier)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine slashed gas imports drastically—from 23 mcm to 0.8 mcm in one day—as high European prices deterred further purchases (interfax.com.ua)
- •ExPro analysts anticipate continued low import volumes in April, noting Ukraine’s storage—9.5 bcm, 1.6× year‑earlier levels—supports energy needs without costly imports (kmu.gov.ua)
- •Hungary's decision to cut gas supplies until Russian oil transit resumes adds pressure on Ukraine’s supply routes, though strategic reserves and domestic production offer resilience (apnews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine's gas imports tumble, further imports expected to be low
1Why did Ukraine reduce its gas imports in April?
Ukraine reduced its gas imports due to high natural gas prices in Europe, which remained above domestic levels throughout March.
2From which countries did Ukraine import gas in early 2024?
Ukraine imported gas from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania between January and March 2024.
3How much gas did Ukraine import on April 1 compared to the previous day?
On April 1, Ukraine planned to import 0.8 million cubic meters of gas compared to 23 million cubic meters the previous day.
4What are Ukraine's gas storage levels compared to last year?
Ukraine's gas storage reserves stood at 9.5 billion cubic meters, which is 1.6 times higher than a year earlier.
5Does Ukraine need to import more gas for the upcoming heating season?
Analysts say Ukraine can meet gas needs for the next heating season from domestic production, reducing the need for costly imports.
