6 березня, 2023, 17:50

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine submitted a petition to the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to grant permission to Ukrgazvydobuvannya JSC (UGV) to carry out a cross-border transfer of $26.740 million to pay for the drilling equipment of the Chinese Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co, which was purchased in 2018. This is stated in Government Order No. 187 dated March 3, 2023.

The Cabinet of Ministers notes that to increase the level of energy security of Ukraine during the war, it is necessary to ensure the continuity of well drilling and sustainable production of natural gas, which is used to form a resource for the population and heat producers.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the main tasks of UGV are to stabilize and increase gas production, ensure the development of the resource base, and transform it into a leader in the oil and gas industry of Ukraine. To increase the volume of gas production, UGV plans to increase the drilling and commissioning of new wells.

In 2018, UGV concluded a contract for the total amount of $53.3 million with the Chinese Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co. In accordance with the terms of the contract, in 2019, power equipment was delivered for the modernization of 15 drilling rigs. Payment term - deferment of 720 calendar days.

According to the payment schedule, UGV must make payments under this contract in the amount of $26.74 million. The Government notes that these drilling rigs are currently in full use. However, because of hostilities, two machines suffered significant damage. Only the manufacturer can restore them, so the Cabinet of Ministers is paying attention to the need to repay the debt to the Chinese company.

"Ignoring the complex of the specified risks may lead to the shutdown of 3/4 of the drilling fleet already in the second half of 2023," the Cabinet of Ministers' petition states.