Gazprom has increased transit through Ukraine by 21% to 29.4 mcm as February starts

On February 1, Russian Gazprom transported 29.4 mcm of natural gas through the Ukrainian GTS, which is 21% more than the previous day. This is evidenced by the nominations of Operator GTS of Ukraine LLC.

This is the highest level since January 19, when Gazprom reduced supplies by 25% - to 24.4 mcm. Most gas goes to Slovakia - 23.7 mcm, and almost 6 mcm to Moldova.

Despite the full-scale war that Russia unleashed in Ukraine at the end of February, the transit of Russian natural gas to Europe through the Ukrainian GTS did not stop.

In January 2023, Russia's Gazprom transported about 975 mcm of natural gas through the Ukrainian GTS, according to ExPro calculations based on data from the GTS Operator of Ukraine LLC. Gas transit fell below 1 bcm per month for the first time since 1991. Compared to December 2022, gas transit decreased by 26% or 340 mcm.

Russia continues to gradually reduce natural gas supplies to Europe through the Ukrainian gas transmission system. This is primarily due to the drop in demand for Russian gas in European markets. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Europe is eager to get rid of Russian gas, helped by warm weather on the continent and record-high reserves in underground storage.

According to the long-term contract concluded at the end of 2019, Russia can transport 40 bcm of natural gas per year or 3.29 bcm per month through Ukraine. The contract was concluded on the terms of "take or pay", which provides for payment for full capacity, regardless of how much gas was physically delivered. In January 2023, Gazprom used only 30% of the reserved capacity.

Russian Gazprom continues to supply gas through Ukraine to two countries: Slovakia and Moldova. Deliveries to Slovakia in January 2023 amounted to about 800 mcm, 30% less than in December. On the other hand, deliveries to Moldova increased by 11% - up to 175 mcm.