Ukraine needs underground storage amid growing strikes on fuel infrastructure - A-95 director

Ukraine faces a critical need for underground storage facilities to protect its shrinking fuel supply channels from escalating Russian strikes, according to Serhiy Kuyun, director of the consulting firm A-95. Kuyun argues that building these underground facilities is the only viable solution, as they are more resilient to missile attacks compared to above-ground tanks.

While the state and private sectors are already working on this, the process of constructing such infrastructure is at least twice as costly. Kuyun asserts that building small, decentralized underground storage facilities of 3,000-4,000-5,000-10,000 cubic meters each would significantly enhance the overall resilience of the fuel supply system.

However, he emphasizes that this will not be a quick process, requiring anywhere from a year and a half to two years to implement. Kuyun urges citizens, municipal institutions, state organizations, and private companies to understand the necessity of building fuel reserves. He points out that Russia has recently targeted the Mayaky bridge and an oil tanker truck on the Reni-to-mainland route, suggesting that a dispersed reserve among consumers would prevent panic buying and excessive strain on the supply system.

Kuyun also notes that Russia is gradually cutting off Ukraine's southern fuel supply route, causing a triple blow: fewer supply channels, reduced consumption, and increased strain on border throughput capacity for fuel imports.