Ukraine purchases US LNG from Poland's Orlen

Naftogaz, the state-owned energy company in Ukraine, announced on Tuesday that it had purchased 100 million cubic meters (mcm), of U.S. LNG.

This month, a senior Ukrainian energy official said that Ukraine could import large volumes U.S. Gas this year via terminals located in Germany, Greece and Lithuania.

The fuel will be a shipment from the United States. "After regasification, gas will be transported from Poland to Ukraine," Naftogaz stated regarding the latest agreement, adding that the gas is due to arrive in early April.

The U.S. has been the largest LNG exporter in the world and has played an important role in supplying Europe ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, which ended much of Russia’s gas supply into Europe.

Recent Russian missile attacks against Ukraine's gas production have forced Ukraine to increase its gas imports. After a series attacks, Ukraine's imports of gas increased by almost tenfold.

Naftogaz, Ukraine's largest energy company, and DTEK said that Russian forces have targeted Ukraine's energy grid, causing damage to gas production facilities.

The temperature has increased significantly this month, which has led to a decrease in import volumes.

"Stable gas supplies remain our top priority. "The cooperation with Orlen increases Ukraine's LNG export capacity and improves energy security," Roman Chumak said, Naftogaz acting chairman of board.

He added, "We are diversifying our supply sources in order to provide a reliable gas supply that is accessible and affordable, particularly amid the ongoing Russian attacks against our infrastructure."

This is the second delivery of 100 mcm under an agreement between Naftogaz, and Orlen. (Reporting and editing by Louise Heavens, Jason Neely, and Pavel Polityuk)

(source: Reuters)