Determining the Level of Efficiency of Gas Distribution Enterprises in the Western Region of Ukraine

Abstract

This article analyses the current situation and processes of structural transformations in Ukraine's natural gas sector, particularly in its western region. The constant existence of violations of the market balance between supply and demand has necessitated reforms in the gas sector of Ukraine and its regions. From the standpoint of the unconditional importance of gas distribution companies in the structure formation and functioning of the gas sector of the state, the relevance of the proper functioning of natural gas distribution networks among consumers in times of war and political and economic crises will help reduce the level of potential risks, as well as ensure the integrity of the liberalized natural gas distribution system as a whole. The methods implemented in the process of analysing the level of efficiency of regional gas distribution systems include the methodology of expert assessments, which allowed for a generalized assessment of the expected results, contributed to the unification of existing approaches that reflect the level of economic and market efficiency, innovation activity, and financial stability of gas distribution companies. During the study, it was possible to identify the level of need for comprehensive measures, including several actions-analysis of the institutional environment of the Western Ukrainian natural gas distribution market, which includes the following joint stock companies: "Volynhaz", "Rivnehaz", "Ivano-Frankivskhaz", "Ternopilhaz", "Lvivhaz", "Zakarpathaz", "Hemlnytskhaz", "Chernivtsihaz". As a result of the study, it was possible to find out that the level of supply from Western Ukrainian gas distribution companies is regularly changing; Joint stock company "Zakarpathaz" can be considered the most promising and competitive; at the same time, Joint-stock company "Ternopilhaz" is characterized by the lowest level of its professional activity.