Bulgartransgaz EAD, together with the gas transmission operators of Greece, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, suggest the route product for gas transmission from Greece to Ukraine to be extended until the end of gas year 2025/2026. This became clear during a meeting of the companies in the Greek capital Athens, attended by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian gas transmission operator, Vladimir Malinov. “The product developed in a spirit of solidarity with Ukraine, is a real measure to improve energy security and guarantee affordable energy supplies. Thus, Ukraine will be able to receive natural gas from reliable sources, including the USA, in implementation of the policy of increasing the share of American liquefied natural gas in the region,” Malinov said. According to him, the mechanism offered to the regional market in a transparent and non-discriminatory way, enabled booking of capacity along the route from Greece, through Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova, to Ukraine at competitive prices.
We recall that in May this year, Bulgartransgaz, together with DESFA, Transgaz, Vestmoldtransgaz and Gas Operator of Ukraine created and offered to the market a route product for gas transmission from Greece to Ukraine at a discount. It was available to all market participants for the period June-October 2025. That enabled Ukraine to secure part of the necessary natural gas quantities for the current winter season from various sources via the Trans-Balkan route.
The operators propose to extend the operation of the route based on the feedback received from market participants in recent months. During the meeting, the operators signed a joint letter to be addressed to the regulators in the respective countries, calling for urgent approval of the product.
“The solution we are proposing will significantly contribute to reduce the risk of potential energy crisis in Ukraine, as well as to overcome the negative consequences for the regional gas and electricity market during the upcoming winter season and the next injection season,” said Vladimir Malinov. “The route product is based on the use of diversified gas sources in accordance with European rules and requirements for competition, sustainability and solidarity,” he emphasized.
Vladimir Malinov also held a meeting with representatives of the US Embassy in Athens, introducing to them the progress on the Vertical Gas Corridor, as well as details on the route product.
