Poland could withstand a brief interruption of natural-gas supplies from Russia thanks to stockpiles of the commodity that amount to average daily consumption for over 30 days.

PGNiG, the state-controlled natural-gas monopolist, said on Tuesday that its reserves of 2.5 billion cubic metres of gas are 53 percent full. The figure is equivalent to more than 30 days consumption, barring a sudden drop in temperatures. Consumption could rise to as much as 55 million square metres a day at minus ten Celsius.

Thanks to a relatively mild winter, however, the reserves are higher than is typical for this time of year.

Russia’s Gazprom said on Tuesday it would cut off supplies to Ukraine within two days, as it has yet to receive downpayment. In the past, cutting supplies to Ukraine have also meant cessation of pipeline deliveries to Poland, which go through Ukraine. (an)

Source: PAP