Оne of the largest private gas producers, Ukrnaftoburinnya, has become the eighth member of the Association of Gas Producers of Ukraine (AGPU). The official membership was approved at the General Meeting of the AGPU members.

“Membership in the Association of Gas Producers of Ukraine enables our company to influence the process of developing and implementing regulatory changes in the industry. We plan to actively participate in the work of the Association aiming at further increase of investments in the oil and gas industry of Ukraine.” – Michael Bakunenko, Chairman of the Executive Board of PrJSC MC Ukrnaftoburinnya.

Today the Association unites eight largest domestic enterprises. Together the companies of AGPU produce 92% of Ukrainian gas and create twenty-six thousand jobs.

“Over the two years of its existence, the Association has significant achievements in solving urgent issues of the industry’s development. The strategic goal – to achieve Ukraine’s energy independence and increase the investment attractiveness of the industry – has united the government, the politicians, and large gas companies. We are glad to welcome a new company in our team and are always open for cooperation.” – Vadym Pozharskyi, Chairman of the Board of the Association.

The Association stressed that the gas industry is experiencing positive changes that have occurred after the introduction of important reforms.

“For the first quarter of this year, the oil and gas-producing sector has paid over 450 million hryvnias in royalties to the local budgets. We see that decentralization is working and that producing regions are interested in active and constructive cooperation with the industry. We expect that the local councils will take appropriate steps regarding the issue of allocating and agreeing upon new sites for companies with the purpose of increasing domestic gas production and achieving Ukraine’s gas independence.” – Daniel Maydanik, Honorary President of the Association.

“Today, the only obstacle to the development of the industry remains the lack of transparent auctions and new sites for development. For almost 500 days, the oil and gas industry has been deprived of the opportunity to participate in open tenders. We expect that the first international round of oil and gas auctions will be announced in the near future on the initiative of the government to attract international investors.” – Roman Opimakh, Executive Director of the Association.