ORLEN and Naftogaz strengthened their energy cooperation through two memoranda of understanding focused on supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum products to Ukraine. The agreements also open new options for diversifying supply routes and sustaining energy stability in Central and Eastern Europe. This cooperation comes as Ukraine seeks to secure alternative sources of gas and fuels to meet its demand.
ORLEN and Naftogaz are studying three LNG shipments for 2027
First, one of the memos contemplates studying the supply of three shipments of LNG during the first quarter of 2027, for ORLEN, the potential additional volumes would allow it to expand its liquefied natural gas marketing operations and its activity as a supplier in regional markets.
The Polish company has commercial capabilities and access to regasification infrastructure, which it already utilizes within its cooperation with Ukraine. Since 2025, both companies have expanded their relationship around LNG and have managed gas deliveries from US shipments. Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ORLEN, indicated that the cooperation with Ukraine is part of the company’s strategy to support the energy security of Central and Eastern Europe.
For his part, Sergii Fedorenko, acting CEO of Ukraine’s Naftogaz, stressed the need to maintain reliable gas sources and diversified routes in the face of attacks affecting domestic production facilities.
Petroleum products for the Ukrainian market
On the other hand, the second memorandum incorporates Ukrnafta, a company belonging to the Naftogaz Group, and addresses potential cooperation in supplying petroleum products to the Ukrainian market. This agreement expands the scope of the relationship between the companies beyond natural gas. For ORLEN, this line of work would also allow it to develop its commercial offering within the Central and Eastern European markets.
The parties will also consider the possible shipment of crude oil Ukrainian oil to refineries located in Central Europe for processing; another component considered is the eventual transfer of used tanker trucks to Ukrnafta; these vehicles would serve to support the logistics and transport of petroleum products within Ukraine.
Diversification of energy supply routes
Furthermore, the memoranda deepen a relationship that ORLEN and Naftogaz have progressively developed around the supply of natural gas and LNG. The companies already collaborate on deliveries of gas from US LNG and other commercial operations within Central and Eastern Europe. This infrastructure allows for the use of different entry points and routes to transport energy to the Ukrainian market.
Diversification is especially relevant for Naftogaz due to the pressure on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Having alternative suppliers and corridors allows them to reduce their dependence on a single supply route and expand the options available during periods of high demand. The three LNG shipments planned for the first quarter of 2027 remain a possibility that both companies will evaluate under the new memorandum. Their eventual inclusion would increase the volumes available within the framework of energy cooperation between Poland and Ukraine.
Source: Offshore Energy
Photo: Shutterstock
