Gazprom’s gas transit through Ukraine to Europe continues uninterrupted, despite unconfirmed reports of the seizure of a measuring station by Ukrainian forces near the border town of Sudzha.
Background and current situation
The Ukrainian gas transit operator confirms that 41.6 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas are scheduled to be transported from Russia to Europe via Ukraine on Thursday.
Gazprom, for its part, expects to send 39.4 mcm of gas on Wednesday, down slightly from 42.4 mcm the previous day.
Despite the clashes near Sudzha, the flow of gas is being maintained.
The Russian Defense Ministry reports that its forces have repelled an advance by Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.
Two Russian military blogs claim, without proof, that Ukrainian forces have captured a gas-measuring facility in Sudzha.
This information remains independently unverified.
Impact on Gas Transit
Around 42 million cubic meters of gas pass through Sudzha every day, the single entry point for Russian gas into the Ukrainian transmission system.
In May 2022, the Ukrainian operator stopped transporting gas via Sokhranivka, near the Luhansk region, due to the Russian invasion, reducing transit volumes by a quarter.
The closure of Sokhranivka has forced Gazprom to redirect the flow of gas to Sudzha, although this capacity is limited.
Current tensions and clashes near Sudzha highlight the vulnerability of this vital transit route.
Futuristic perspectives
The gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires in 2024.
Kyiv has already announced its intention not to extend the agreement or negotiate a new contract.
This decision could have significant repercussions on Europe’s energy security, which depends to a large extent on this transit. The situation in Sudzha is crucial for the European energy market.
Industry professionals need to keep a close eye on developments in this region to anticipate potential impacts and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Sudzha’s importance as a single entry point underlines the need for careful management and ongoing dialogue between the parties concerned to ensure long-term gas transit stability.
Future developments in this key region will be decisive for Europe’s energy security.
A peaceful resolution and enhanced international cooperation are essential to maintain a stable and reliable supply.
