A serious blow to gas supplies since the beginning of the war: will there be enough heat for winter?

Russia has struck Ukraine’s energy system again, damaging gas infrastructure overnight on October 3, in the most significant attack since the war began.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that 35 missiles and 60 drones were launched in the attack, targeting facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava regions. Fortunately, everyone survived.

The government, Naftogaz employees, and the State Emergency Service have already begun to repair the damage. However, experts warn that the damage could complicate the heating season. Energy specialist Svyatoslav Pavlyuk noted that two-thirds of the gas consumed by Ukrainians is produced domestically, with the remaining third imported. If production declines, Ukraine will have to buy more expensive imported fuel.

Pavlyuk noted that, even though the price of gas for the population is approximately 7,400 hryvnias, imported fuel costs more than $ 400 per unit. The cost difference — about 2.5 times — must be compensated.

The expert emphasized that the illusion of “cheap gas” is a consequence of populism. Subsidies in European energy systems offset a more realistic price. The situation in the war is entering the stage of destruction of infrastructure: Russia attacks Ukrainian gas facilities, and Ukrainian forces in response strike at the enemy’s oil and gas resources.

It was previously noted that, even with a warm winter, Ukraine may still face serious problems with gas supplies.