Ukraine's natural gas needs fully covered - GTS Operator of Ukraine CEO

KYIV. March 18 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukraine's needs in natural gas are fully covered, head of the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator Serhiy Makohon told the ICTV television channel on Friday.

"I do not see any threats as far as the availability of gas is concerned, because we have about 9.5 billion cubic meters [of gas] in our underground storage facilities. It is spring already, as a matter of fact, and our gas consumption stands at 100 million cubic meters per day, whereas there is our own gas production of some 50 million cubic meters," Makohon said.

In addition, Ukraine is currently importing 10 mcm of gas per day from Europe, he said.

Naftogaz of Ukraine CEO Yuriy Vitrenko, in turn, said on Friday that domestic gas production somewhat declined in Ukraine after February 24, but, nonetheless, domestic gas output is 1.5% higher than it was in the same period last year.

"In other words, the Ukrainian gas sector has increased gas production, is continuing drilling in safe districts and will develop new deposits," Vitrenko said.