The "Naftogaz" group has signed a grant agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for 23 million euros. The funds are provided by the government of the Netherlands and will be used to purchase additional volumes of natural gas during peak consumption in the heating season.
This was reported by the EBRD. The signing of the agreement was also confirmed by the Acting Chairman of the Board of NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine" Serhiy Fedorenko.
The grant funding will be directed to the purchase of imported gas needed to cover increased demand in winter. Unlike loan funds, the grant does not require repayment of the received financing.
The need for additional purchases is related to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's gas production infrastructure, which create risks for stable supply of natural gas to consumers.
"The enemy systematically attacks gas production infrastructure and tries to leave Ukrainians without heat. Additional resources for gas purchases will strengthen the resilience of the energy system and help to get through the heating season stably", - said Fedorenko.
According to him, support from the Netherlands and the EBRD will allow Ukraine to increase its gas import capabilities precisely during periods of greatest strain on the system.
EBRD Managing Director for Ukraine and Moldova Arvid Tuerkner emphasized that the Dutch grant will complement the bank's own financing for gas purchases and will help meet Ukraine's needs throughout the winter.
The new grant agreement is part of broader EBRD cooperation with "Naftogaz" aimed at replenishing Ukraine's gas reserves. Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the bank has directed over 3.6 billion euros to support Ukraine's energy security.
The EBRD notes that cooperation with the Dutch government helps Ukraine maintain stable gas supply despite military damage to energy infrastructure.
At the same time, the announcements do not specify exactly what volume of natural gas is planned to be purchased with the grant funds and when the relevant purchases will begin. These figures will depend on the price of gas and supply conditions.
Based on materials from: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine"
