Ukraine Bans the Export of Coal, Oil, and Locally Produced Gas

Ukraine's government has banned the export of coal, oil, and locally produced gas. This was announced in a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers on June 13. The decree has come into effect from the date of publication.

The document adds to the list of goods whose exports and imports are subject to licensing and quotas in 2022. Zero quotas have been set for these energy carriers.

On June 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the country would be forced to temporarily halt gas and coal supplies to other countries when cold weather begins. Domestic production will be directed toward the needs of citizens.

On the same day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal announced that coal production in state mines had decreased by nearly one-third since the end of February this year. He advised preparing for the harsh realities of the coming winter.

Moreover, the Ukrainian government has instructed Naftogaz to ensure the storage of at least 19 billion cubic meters of gas by the start of winter. As Shmyhal noted, Ukraine ended the last heating season with 9 billion cubic meters of gas and "immediately began to push".

Last year, Ukraine faced a coal shortage. Experts and lawmakers spoke of a serious energy crisis. Zelensky has simultaneously noted that the state is successfully overcoming the challenge of coal shortages. According to him, the reports about electricity outages in the republic during the current heating season do not reflect reality.