Ukraine’s energy company ‘Tsentrenergo’ seeks to quell fears of coal shortages amid reports of mounting energy crisis.

In a statement issued Monday the company said it has been ‘in talks with leading coal traders’ in the US and Australia to procure fuel cargos, with the first shipment arriving this very day at Ukraine’s ‘Yuzny’ sea port at the Black Sea.

Imports come as a force majeure measure as the company is dealing with ‘finance issues’ and depleted fuel stocks.  Tsentoenergo stressed they have been committed to help the Ukrainian goverment to avoid rolling blackouts.

The company argued they initially prioritized procuring coal supplies from Kazakhstan, but in mid-October faced the situation where Russia’s interference saw the supplies stalling.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian  goverment officials complained Moscow was blocking energy supplies from Kazakhstan.