Ukraine agrees to loosen gas export ban: sources

Ukraine's government has agreed to partially lift a years-long ban on natural gas exports, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, on Oct. 8.

Both said the decision was approved on Oct. 7.

Ukraine's energy ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Kyiv has banned gas exports since 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of the country.

According to a report from Ukraine-focused consultancy ExPro late Oct. 7, the move will allow some gas producers to export up to 15% of their prior month's production each month.

Platts has not been able to independently confirm the details in the ExPro report, which cited "sources." ExPro also said it had reviewed an "export procedure."

ExPro said the new export mechanism will apply from March 1 to Nov. 30 each year and cover eligible producers and volumes that the energy ministry will approve each month.

Ukraine's move to allow some exports comes as European gas prices hover near recent highs amid the persistent supply disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the month-ahead Dutch TTF gas price at €78.555/megawatt-hour on Oct. 7, up 4.4% day over day.