Ukraine significantly increased its natural gas imports from Europe in H1 2025. What drove the surge, who imported the gas, and what is the structure of the supply? Read the full analysis by ExPro.
The full version of the material is available in the ExPro Daily Gas issues for June 30 and July 1, which are distributed by subscription. A free two-week trial subscription is available by filling out the Google form.
Ukraine imported nearly 2.1 bcm of natural gas in H1 2025, more than 12 times higher than during the same period last year, according to ExPro data. This is also the largest volume of H1 imports since 2020.
What caused the rise in imports
The surge in gas imports is primarily linked to the domestic supply deficit following massive russian missile strikes on Ukraine’s upstream gas infrastructure in February. On certain days, total production in Ukraine dropped by more than 40% due to the attacks.
Given the low storage levels, cold weather, and sharp decline in domestic output, Ukraine began emergency imports of gas in February to cover the shortfall at the end of the 2024–2025 heating season.
Imports continued in the following months as the country entered the gas injection season, starting preparations for the upcoming winter. With storage levels at just 5.41 bcm at the beginning of the injection season and production still recovering, gas imports became a critical part of the winter strategy.
Import structure
Naftogaz accounted for the lion’s share of natural gas imports in H1 2025. ExPro estimates the company’s share at over 88%, or around 1.85 bcm. In certain months, Naftogaz was the sole importer of gas.
Some private companies imported gas earlier in the year, mainly to supply Ukrtransgaz, part of the Naftogaz Group. Ukrtransgaz purchased nearly 198 mcm of imported gas via the Ukrainian Energy Exchange for delivery during January–April 2025.
Hungary was the largest source of gas imports in H1 2025 - 1.16 bcm or 56% of the total. Ukraine also imported 500 mcm from Poland (24%) and 430 mcm from Slovakia (20%).
Gas imports in June
Ukraine imported nearly 540 mcm of gas in June 2025, 8% more than in May, and the highest monthly volume since September 2023. The increase reflects intensified preparations for the upcoming winter season.
Imports from Hungary accounted for the largest share, 265 mcm or 49% of total volumes. Poland followed with 163 mcm (30%) and Slovakia with 111 mcm (21%).
Naftogaz remained the dominant importer in June, according to ExPro. Several private companies also resumed imports, both into the transmission system and the customs warehouse.
Gas imports in July
Natural gas imports to Ukraine rose by 42% on July 1 compared to June 30, reaching 26.7 mcm, according to ExPro data. This is the highest daily import volume in 4.5 months, since February 18, 2025.
In addition, the structure of the gas supply changed. While in June almost all natural gas was imported directly into the Ukrainian gas transmission system (GTS), in July, most gas is being delivered to the "customs warehouse" of Ukrainian underground gas storage (UGS) facilities – 24.7 mcm on July 1, or over 92% of total imports. Only 2 mcm, or 7.6% of imports, were delivered directly to the GTS.
At the beginning of July, Ukraine launched natural gas imports via the joint Trans-Balkan route. The gas flow matches the booked capacity, around 162 tcm per day. Natural gas is transported from Greece through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova to Ukraine. The gas is delivered to the "customs warehouse" of Ukrainian UGS facilities.
If import volumes remain at this level, total gas imports to Ukraine in July could exceed 800 mcm.
Support from international partners
Ukraine continues to rely on financial assistance from international partners to purchase imported gas ahead of the heating season. Among the key contributors are the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Government of Norway. These funds have already enabled Naftogaz to procure gas in spring and continue purchases through the summer.
Talks with international financial institutions are ongoing. Ukraine expects an additional credit facility from the EBRD and is negotiating with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and domestic banks to further support gas imports. Several new programmes have already been agreed, and the first disbursements are expected soon.
Norway plays a particularly important role, having provided Naftogaz with €140 million in grants in the first half of 2025. This support has helped bolster Ukraine’s presence on the European gas market. As one of Europe’s key gas suppliers after Russia’s exit from the EU market, Norway remains a strategic partner. Ukraine is currently seeking to expand this cooperation.
How much more gas does Ukraine need to import?
Ukraine aims to reach at least 13 bcm in storage by 1 November, slightly more than last year. To achieve this, the country needs to inject around 5 bcm more, of which roughly 2.3–2.6 bcm should come from imports between July and October. If current injection rates continue and alternative routes and financial support remain in place, this target appears achievable.
Still, even if the 13 bcm target is not met by November, the situation is expected to remain manageable. The key will be to continue importing gas throughout the heating season to meet demand from Ukrainian consumers.
Where to find natural gas market analytics?
Detailed analytics of the natural gas market in Ukraine, including production, imports, exports, UGS reserves, trading results, natural gas prices, key news, etc., are published in specialized publications ExPro Daily Gas, ExPro Gas&Oil Weekly, and ExPro Gas&Oil Monthly.
You can order a subscription to the publication by filling out a special form
You can order a free two-week trial subscription by filling out this form
Михайло Свищо