Ukrnafta Resumed Fuel Dispensing at Damaged Gas Stations in Kyiv – Suspicions

Photo: Volodymyr Herasymov

Chairman of the Board of Ukrnafta Bohdan Kukura

Will there be a shortage and what is happening with prices

Five attacks on Ukrnafta gas stations in Kyiv: how strikes affect the capital's fuel supply? Could a shortage occur?

Despite Russian strikes, the capital's fuel supply remains stable. Ukrnafta has contracted and imported sufficient volumes to meet its customers' needs. At present there are no prerequisites for a shortage in our network.

Moreover, all Ukrnafta network filling stations in Kyiv, damaged as a result of the latest attacks, have already restored their main function – dispensing fuel.

Photo: facebook/Bohdan Kukura

Consequences of the Russian attack on Ukrnafta gas stations in Kyiv

Do drivers need to accumulate at least minimal fuel reserves (not only in Kyiv, but across the country)? Obviously, the strikes will continue.

There is no current need to stock up. The network is supplied with the necessary resources, and supply is ongoing.

Do attacks affect fuel prices at gas stations? What sources does the company cover losses from?

Fuel prices at our gas stations depend primarily on purchase prices on European markets, from which we import it, and on global price trends.

How is the restoration of damaged gas stations progressing

Does the company plan to restore operation of damaged filling stations? How much will it cost and how long will the works take?

We already have practical experience: more than ten network gas stations in Ukraine have returned to operation after destruction.

Our primary task is to restore the main function of the gas station – dispensing fuel – in the shortest possible time. We are also considering the restoration of complexes damaged by Russian strikes in Kyiv.

The timelines and cost of works depend on the scale of destruction and the condition of equipment at each facility. We determine them based on inspection results.

Photo: facebook/Bohdan Kukura

Consequences of the Russian attack on Ukrnafta gas stations in Kyiv

New safety rules at gas stations

Do network filling stations continue to operate during yellow danger level (sporadic drone flyovers)?

No. During air raid alerts, both yellow and red levels, Ukrnafta gas stations completely suspend operations. Staff and customers leave the facility.

What is the algorithm for evacuating customers and staff from gas stations in case of an air raid alert? Can this be done in minutes, given that drones are much faster than ordinary ones?

After an alert is announced, regardless of its level, staff stop service and organize the evacuation of customers from the gas station territory. Employees also leave the complex and take shelter.

All actions are carried out as quickly as possible. That is why it is important for customers to immediately follow staff instructions and not linger on the territory.

Is it possible to avoid buildup of queues at the entrance to gas stations after an alert subsides? After all, a new threat could be announced.

To reduce the likelihood of queues, staff work to provide service as quickly as possible. We ask customers not to linger after fueling and purchases, and not to leave vehicles in gas station parking lots.

This helps avoid crowding of people and vehicles and to clear the territory faster in case of a repeated alert.

Photo: facebook/Bohdan Kukura

Ukrnafta gas stations

Also read: Fuel market has turned around. Diesel prices in September may surprise you

Physical security at gas stations is already being built

Does the company plan to build physical security at gas stations? Which exactly? Does the government provide assistance in equipping such security?

Ukrnafta systematically strengthens physical security at gas stations. For a long time we have been carrying out these works in border with Russia and frontline regions: installing anti-drone nets, building gabions to provide additional protection for people and equipment from debris, installing shelters.

Due to increased Russian attacks on Kyiv, we quickly redirected additional efforts to protect complexes in the capital. In particular, the installation of gabions at Kyiv gas stations has already begun. The first 19 facilities have already been equipped. We are also starting to install mobile shelters where there are no stationary ones nearby.

Photo: provided by Ukrnafta's press service

Protective gabions at Ukrnafta gas stations

Photo: provided by Ukrnafta's press service

Protective gabions at Ukrnafta gas stations

Photo: provided by Ukrnafta's press service

Protective gabions at Ukrnafta gas stations

Photo: provided by Ukrnafta's press service

Protective gabions at Ukrnafta gas stations

Given safety risks, does the network plan to forgo additional services (selling products, food, coffee, or other additional functions) and focus solely on fuel sales?

Currently we are focused on making service as quick as possible. We ask customers not to linger on the territory after fueling and purchases.

During any level of air raid alert we discontinue all kinds of service. In such a situation it is necessary to immediately follow staff instructions and leave the facility.

Special alert system and potential threats to fuel import

The government promised to set up a special alert system for gas station workers regarding the threat from Russian strikes. How do you assess this innovation and has it already started?

We view the decision to enhance the safety of staff and customers positively. We are also involved in developing the corresponding algorithms.

Also read: Russians first shelled a Western-country filling station; gas stations in Kyiv are also targeted. Should you stock up on fuel?

Russians have begun directing attack drones toward the western border region. Does this pose a risk to fuel imports?

Currently we see no obstacles to fuel imports. The necessary volumes for the network continue to be supplied.

Photo: Ukrnafta