The implementation of a joint capacity booking product from Greece to Ukraine will provide the possibility of alternative and competitive natural gas supplies and strengthen the energy security of the region.
This initiative was submitted to their national regulators by the operators of the gas transmission systems of Ukraine (LLC “Operator of the GTS of Ukraine”), Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz EAD), Greece (DESFA SA), Moldova (VestMoldTransgaz SRL), and Romania (Transgaz SA).
On the part of Ukraine, the National Commission for State Regulation in the Fields of Energy and Utilities (NCERKP) approved the relevant decision at the meeting on May 27.
“By refusing Russian energy carriers, Ukraine, like our partners in the EU, is actively working to find alternative gas supply routes. The use of the Trans-Balkan route is important in this context. The gas transmission system of Ukraine, as well as our underground gas storage facilities that are part of this route, will play an important role in strengthening the energy security of the entire region. Therefore, we hope for positive decisions from all participating countries regarding the use of the Trans-Balkan route for our shared strategic goals,” said the Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Herman Halushchenko.
The Trans-Balkan route has significant potential to meet the urgent needs of Ukraine and provides access to LNG sources.
At the same time, the route passes through five countries, and the direct application of regulated tariffs makes it commercially unprofitable compared to alternatives. Given the situation, the gas transmission system operators have worked out an optimized solution that will allow, among other things, the use of currently unused capacities of the Trans-Balkan pipeline for gas imports into Ukraine at a competitive tariff, which is especially relevant during preparations for the upcoming heating season.
