Ukraine discovered 40 billion cubic meters of gas on the Black Sea shelf

At least 40 billion cubic meters of natural gas were discovered by the geological services of Ukraine on the shelf in the southwestern part of the Black Sea on an area of ​​7000 sq. m, as announced on Tuesday by the State Service of Geology in Kiev.

These estimates are based on the results of the Seeker scientific expedition. “The potential of the Black Sea is enormous, if Ukraine continues geological exploration on the shelf, it will ensure success,” the State Geology Service noted.

Ukraine receives from its own reserves about 20 billion cubic meters of gas per year; 8 billion is mined by private companies. Kiev additionally buys this raw material through the so-called reverse deliveries from Western countries, since the country does not buy gas from Russia. Ukraine consumes about 18 billion cubic meters of gas per year, according to the figures from Ukrtransgaz.

Currently, about 13 billion cubic meters of natural gas are concentrated in underground storage facilities in Ukraine, and the European Commission is worried that in January the volume may fall to 12 billion cubic meters. Brussels fears that further declines in supplies will jeopardize gas transit from Russia to the EU via Ukraine.

Trilateral talks on gas supplies between Russia and Ukraine with the participation of the European Commission, held last Friday in Brussels, did not provide a breakthrough in the matter.