Ukrnafta Develops Research Base for More Effective Reservoir Studies

Ukrnafta, officially known as AT Ukrnafta, recently announced the acquisition and commissioning of advanced equipment designed for the research of wells and reservoir fluids. This innovation aims to enhance the accuracy of geological and technical decisions while reducing the time required to obtain data, as reported by the company on Tuesday.

The Chairman of the Board of Ukrnafta, Bohdan Kukura, emphasized that the development of its own research base is a strategic element of the oil and gas company's operations. According to Kukura, previously, some research was conducted by external contractors, which limited the speed of analysis. Now, with the establishment of its own analytical base, the company has been able to improve the quality of reservoir development planning and reduce the time needed for technical decision-making.

Kukura also noted that a parallel potential is being formed to provide research services to other subsoil users, which will become a separate business direction for Ukrnafta. This opens up new opportunities for the company in the service sector and collaboration with other market players.

Among the new technologies implemented, Ukrnafta has acquired its own PVT unit (Pressure-Volume-Temperature). This laboratory equipment allows for the study of the physical properties of reservoir fluids, such as oil, gas, and condensate, under high pressure and temperature conditions. This capability enables the analysis of hydrocarbon characteristics directly in reservoir conditions, which is crucial for enhancing extraction efficiency.

Additionally, the company has purchased and is utilizing downhole pressure gauges, which measure pressure at the wellbore and along the borehole. Echo-sounder dynamographs are also being used to determine liquid levels, construct dynamograms, and analyze the performance of well equipment. Other new tools, such as mini-PLT—compact logging tools—as well as samplers for the hermetic collection of deep samples of water, oil, gas, or gas-oil mixtures, have also become part of Ukrnafta's arsenal.

AT Ukrnafta is the largest oil extraction company in Ukraine, conducting a full cycle of activities in the extraction sector, including exploration, oil and gas production, the provision of oilfield services, and the management of the largest network of filling stations in Ukraine under the UKRNAFTA brand. The company operates over 1,106 oil wells and 131 gas wells, underscoring its significance in the market.

By the end of 2025, Ukrnafta emerged as a leader in the extraction industry with a turnover of 99.4 billion UAH, a feat recognized in the Opendatabot Index of the best enterprises. The UKRNAFTA filling station network is the largest in Ukraine, boasting nearly 700 stations and ranking among the top three in fuel sales volumes. The UKRNAFTA brand consolidates networks that previously operated under the Glusco, Shell, and U.Go brands.

The shareholders of AT Ukrnafta include Naftogaz of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Since 2022, the company has been under state management and is undergoing a large-scale business transformation, reflecting its commitment to innovation and development in the modern market.