Ukraine to Launch New Trans-Balkan Gas Transportation Route

Ukraine is set to launch a new Trans-Balkan gas transportation route through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. This will provide alternative and competitive natural gas supplies and strengthen the region’s energy security, especially before the next heating season, Ukraineʼs Ministry of Energy reported.

Gas transmission system operators from Ukraine, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova have proposed a joint booking platform for gas transit capacity from Greece to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s national energy regulator approved the project on May 27. 

“Having phased out 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 press release by Ukraine’s Minister of Energy German Galushchenko said. 

The route runs through five countries which, if using standard regulated tariffs, would make it more expensive than other options, the Ministry says. 

To fix this, the gas transmission system operators will use unused parts of the Trans-Balkan pipeline to bring gas into Ukraine at a lower, more competitive price. 

According to Galushchenko, Ukraine’s gas transmission system, as well as its underground gas storage facilities, which are part of the Trans-Balkan route, can play an important role in strengthening the energy security of the entire region. 

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“Therefore, we look forward to positive decisions by all participating countries to use the Trans-Balkan route for our common strategic goals,” the Minister said.

As of May 1, Ukraine’s underground gas storage held 5.7 billion cubic meters, or 18.4% of its designed capacity and 33% less than at the same period last year, Kyiv Post previously reported.

At the start of last year’s withdrawal season, on Nov. 1, Ukraine had 12.92 billion cubic meters of gas in storage. To reach a similar level by this November, the country needs to inject 7.2 billion cubic meters between May and October, the consulting agency ExPro reported.

With reserves at historic lows, the government must spend up to $3.5 billion on gas imports and protective infrastructure. Otherwise, Ukrainians will lack sufficient gas for heating and business operations during winter 2025-2026.