Only 14 degrees in apartments: Ukrainians face the most difficult heating season due to gas shortage.

Critical situation with gas threatens heating for Ukrainian households

Head of the Union of Consumers of Communal Services of Ukraine Oleg Popenko warned about a possible significant deterioration in heating for citizens' homes during the winter period of 2025–2026 due to insufficient gas reserves.

'The gas situation will be difficult. We need to realize this. If the winter is cold and the temperature stays around -10 degrees for at least one month, we will not have enough physical gas. We must consider that our maneuvering generation of electricity also runs on gas',

According to the expert, current gas reserves and the ability to purchase and extract it will not allow for a normal heating season under prolonged frosts. He also noted the poor condition of infrastructure and ineffective management in the industry.

Popenko reminded about the problems of the previous heating season when due to inadequate preparation of infrastructure in some cities, heating was not launched at all.

Experts estimate that to purchase the necessary amount of gas, Ukraine needs about 2.5 billion dollars, but currently only 1.2 billion has been found. Even if the required volumes of gas can be gathered by autumn, it may only be enough for a mild winter, not extended periods of low temperatures.

Analysis

Gas reserves in Ukraine are indeed at historically low levels, which could lead to serious heating problems during frosts in the upcoming winter months. Urgent measures must be taken to ensure the population has heating during cold periods.