Ukraine to bolster energy independence by adopting API oil, natural gas standards

WASHINGTON, October 26, 2023 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) and Ukrnafta, Ukraine's leading national oil company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the adoption of API natural gas and oil standards in Ukraine. The agreement affirms both parties’ commitment to enhancing Ukraine's energy independence and its transition away from Russian standards, equipment and operations. 

After the signature of the MOU between API and Ukraine’s national standards body, the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Scientific Center for Standardization, Certification and Quality Problems,” which focused on an information exchange and the promotion of API standards, this agreement with Ukrnafta goes further, supporting Ukraine’s shift away from Russian standards and toward API’s globally recognized international energy standards and best practices.

“As the world's premier standards-setting organization for the natural gas and oil industry, API is honored to embark on this new cooperative relationship with Ukrnafta,” said Anchal Liddar, API Senior Vice President for Global Industry Services. "This alliance solidifies our shared vision of strengthening Ukraine's energy infrastructure and independence based on our world-class standards.”

"The memorandum of understanding with API will allow us to significantly increase our efficiency and attract the best examples of world technologies to the development of the Ukrainian oil industry," said Serhiy Koretsky, director of Ukrnafta PJSC. "This is one of the key transformation projects of the company in the coming years, which will ultimately allow Ukraine to achieve the desired energy independence. We are honored to work together with such a respected and influential organization as API."

The MOU establishes a framework between API and Ukrnafta for the following:   

• Promoting the adoption and harmonization of API standards across Ukraine's oil and gas industry
• Involving Ukrainian experts on API standards committees
• Providing guidance, promoting awareness and facilitating information exchange on the usage and implementation of API standards and safety programs, such as API Energy Excellence®
• Collaborating on events and the joint organization of standards-related training programs and seminars

The framework outlined in the MOU supports Ukraine’s intent to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and supply chain and helps create a robust, resilient energy industry that is aligned with international best practices.