Gas consumption drops in Belarus

MINSK, (BelTA) – Natural gas consumption is reducing in Belarus. Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich told journalists, BelTA has learned.

“Natural gas consumption in the country is declining. In January-July 2023, gas supply organizations of the Beltopgas fuel and gasification state-owned production association supplied 9.4 billion cubic meters of gas to consumers, which is 85% as against the same period last year. The annualized gas consumption by Beltopgas consumers in 2023 is projected to be 16.7 billion cubic meters, vs about 19 billion cubic meters in 2022,” Viktor Karankevich said.

The main factor contributing to the drop in gas consumption was the commissioning of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP). Since the first unit of the BelNPP was connected to the power grid, it has generated 18.5 billion kWh. The second power unit is expected to generate the same amount of electricity annually after commissioning, which will replace 4.5-5 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

Other factors that played a role in reduction of gas consumption included energy saving and energy efficiency measures implemented by the government, a broader use of local fuels, a switch of individual heat supply sources to fuel peat and wood chips.

“However, gas consumption grew at some enterprise. This growth was driven by rising production in view of a strong demand for these companies' products on foreign markets and at home,” the minister noted.