Ukrnafta and ORLEN explore refining Ukrainian crude in Central Europe
Ukraine’s Naftogaz Group and Polish energy company ORLEN have signed two memoranda aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s energy security and diversifying energy supply routes, Naftogaz said in a statement on Sept. 21.
Naftogaz Group from Ukraine and ORLEN, a Polish energy company, have inked two memoranda to bolster Ukraine's energy security and broaden energy supply routes, according to a statement released on September 21. These agreements were finalized during the Carpathian Eight Summit. The first memorandum outlines the delivery of three liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments in the first quarter of 2027, which could aid Ukraine in meeting peak demand during seasonal surges if necessary.
Sergii Fedorenko, Naftogaz acting CEO, emphasized the importance of ORLEN as a strategic partner, especially amidst ongoing Russian attacks on domestic production facilities. ORLEN CEO and President Ireneusz Fąfara highlighted the significance of the partnership in strengthening energy security in Central and Eastern Europe, aiming to diversify supplies and enhance the resilience of the region's energy system.
The second memorandum between ORLEN and Ukrnafta, part of Naftogaz Group, details supplies of petroleum products to the Ukrainian market valued at up to $500 million. This arrangement is intended to stabilize fuel supplies amidst a global oil crisis triggered by events in the Middle East. The agreement also permits exploration of supplying Ukrainian crude oil to Central European refineries for processing.
ORLEN has shown interest in expanding its presence in Ukraine, with discussions reportedly held in May 2026 about potentially acquiring a stake in Ukrnafta. Fąfara mentioned that Ukraine holds particular importance for ORLEN's Mažeikiai refinery in Lithuania, which accounts for nearly 18% of its output sales in the Ukrainian market.
The two companies have also deepened their LNG partnership, finalizing a contract in November 2025 for 300 million cubic meters (10.6 billion cubic feet) of U.S.-sourced natural gas to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026. This brings the total contracted volume under the four agreements to 440 million cubic meters (15.5 billion cubic feet).
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