KIEV, Sept. 6 - Ukraine accumulated about 21 billion cu m of natural gas in its underground storage facilities as of Sept. 5, up from 19.9 Bcm as of September 1, the energy and fuel ministry said Wednesday.

Ukraine plans to accumulate up to 24.7 Bcm of gas by Oct. 15 to ensure steady transit of Russian natural gas to Europe and to meet its growing demand during the upcoming high demand season.