---
title: "Private Gas vs. Winter: How Partial Exports Could Save Ukrainian Production"
description: "Ksenia Orynchak proposed allowing private companies to export up to 20% of gas to finance new wells. Experts believe that a flexible export mechanism will help the industry survive without creating risks for the winter. 💰🇺🇦"
date: 2026-08-04T09:48:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/private-gas-vs-winter-how-partial-exports-could-save-ukrainian-production
tags: [kseniya-orynchak, ukraine-gas, gas-export, private-mining, vladimir-omelchenko]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Private Gas vs. Winter: How Partial Exports Could Save Ukrainian Production

![Businesswoman in white shirt with red nails, symbolizing Ukraine's energy sector in the context of gas export](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/04/chastnyy-gaz-protiv-zimy-kak-chastichnyy-eksport-spaset-ukrainskuyu-dobychu/chastnyy-gaz-protiv-zimy-kak-chastichnyy-eksport-spaset-ukrainskuyu-dobychu-1.webp)

The Ukrainian gas industry faces a difficult choice: maintain full control over the resource or allow partial exports to ensure the survival of private companies. Ksenia Orynchak, founder of the National Association of the Extractive Industry of Ukraine, has put forward an initiative that could radically change the approach to resource distribution during wartime.

### The Paradox of Surplus and Lack of Funds

The market situation appears paradoxical. On one hand, there is a surplus of gas in the country that private companies cannot fully sell domestically. On the other hand, these same companies lack the funds for development. Following the start of the full-scale war, domestic gas consumption dropped sharply: the population is leaving the country, and part of the industry has halted operations.

As a result, private players have the resource but no money. A single new well costs between $5 and $15 million. Without stable revenue, it is impossible to cover operating expenses, conduct seismic surveys, repair damaged facilities, or invest in new production.

### Orynchak's Proposal: 15 to 20 Percent

Ksenia Orynchak proposes allowing private entities to export between 15 and 20 percent of the gas they produce. According to her, this would allow companies to at least partially cover operating costs and plan for the drilling of new wells.

"If we open up, for example, 15, up to 20 percent of gas for export for private players, then accordingly, they will be able to at least partially cover, well, their operating expenses. Plus, plan the drilling of new wells," Orynchak noted.

### A Flexible Mechanism: Not for Years, but for Quarters

The key feature of the proposal is its flexibility. Exports will be non-constant and strictly limited. Permitted volumes must be determined taking into account gas reserves, the state of infrastructure, and seasonal demand, which can increase several times during the winter.

Orynchak emphasized that limits should be reviewed over shorter periods rather than being set for years immediately. This will allow for increasing or decreasing exports depending on the market situation and the country's needs.

"That is, perhaps, certain quarters will be allocated. That is, a certain period, you understand. This is not for one year, not for two," the expert said.

### Balance Between Profit and Security

Vladimir Omelchenko, Director of Energy Programs at the Razumkov Centre, supported the idea of controlled exports. In his opinion, this could provide private producers with funds for new wells. However, he warned that the state should only allow sales abroad in volumes that do not create risks for winter preparation.

The situation with reserves looks promising. In the second half of July, about 13 billion cubic meters of gas were accumulated in Ukrainian underground storage facilities — more than 40% more than last year. By the beginning of November, Ukraine could accumulate more than 15 billion cubic meters of gas. According to government estimates, this volume should be sufficient to get through the heating season.

### Consequences for the Industry

Partial exports will bring foreign currency revenue to Ukraine, while new investments from private companies will, in the long run, increase the volumes of gas available for the domestic market. The Cabinet of Ministers introduced zero quotas on the export of Ukrainian-origin natural gas at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Now, the possibility of revising this policy is being discussed.

The proposed export mechanism provides for the possibility of gas extraction companies exporting up to 15% of their own production. This could become a turning point for the industry, allowing the current surplus of resources to be converted into new wells and future production growth.