Energy shortage, Ukraine will buy coal from the US, Australia, South Africa

(Baonghean.vn) - Mr. Vladimir Groisman - Prime Minister of Ukraine said that his country is currently seriously planning to buy coal from the US, Australia and South Africa using foreign currency reserves.

Ukraine's energy sector is in a deep crisis. Photo: Vesti

Due to the conflict in Donbass (long considered Ukraine’s coal bowl), the country is now facing a serious fuel shortage. Ukraine needs to import a total of 1 million tons of coal per month to meet domestic demand.

Prime Minister Groisman said that Ukraine had gone more than 500 days without using "a drop of gas" from Russia. "We are capable of self-exploitation and energy independence. We will produce 500 million tons ourselves, the other half will be purchased from the US, Australia or South Africa," he stressed.

At present, the Ukrainian government is buying coal from South Africa at $86 per ton. However, when it arrives in Ukraine, that figure has jumped to $110 per ton (including transportation and other fees).

According to experts, Kiev could make up for the coal shortage by importing it from Russia and other countries. However, Ukraine is short of money and the West seems unable to help the Kiev government.

The question now arises: “Where will Ukraine buy coal?” The first option is from Russia. The second option is from international markets, but shipping will be more expensive than shipping from Donbass or Russia. And if Ukraine decides to look for foreign partners to supply coal, they will not be willing to cooperate with Kiev because of financial problems.

It will be very difficult for Ukraine to solve the energy crisis, while the relations between Kiev-Moscow, Kiev-Donbass are very tense.

Commenting on the blockade of coal supplies to Ukraine from Donbass, Prime Minister Groisman pointed out that those involved in this campaign believe that this is good for the country. "But this action only brings bad consequences for both the people and the energy industry."

America and Russia

(According to Ria Novosti)