The gas transmission operators of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine continue their joint actions to increase the capacity offered through the capacity products Route 1, Route 2 and Route at competitive prices. "In order to ensure secure supplies to Ukraine during the current winter season, we take steps to increase the available capacity for these route products. Our analysis confirms that it is technically possible for the winter period from January until April 2026, the available not booked capacity at the interconnection point Ruse/Giurgiu to be transferred to Negru Voda 1/Kardam." This was announced by the Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD, Vladimir Malinov during his participation in the 36th Greek Economic Forum, taking place in Athens.
During the panel related to the Vertical Corridor, Malinov and the Executive Director of the Greek operator DESFA, Maria Rita Galli signed a joint letter from Bulgartransgaz, DESFA, Vestmoldtransgaz, Transgaz, Gas TSO of Ukraine and ICGB to be submitted to the regulators of the countries for approval of the proposal. “In order to improve the conditions and to ensure uniform price of the capacity offered at Negru Voda 1/Kardam through the route products, Bulgartransgaz also offers discount of over 36%,” Malinov added. “Our joint proposal will enable increase in the total amount of capacity offered through the route products to Ukraine aimed to ensure security and stability of the country’s energy system.”
The participants in the discussion drew attention to the strategic role of the Vertical Corridor in achieving the common European objectives for energy independence. According to Malinov, realisation of the project is also a key part of implementation of the European Union’s REPowerEU plan to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels. "The US administration has made a leading contribution to this process by providing additional quantities of American liquefied natural gas to the Old Continent," emphasized Malinov, who spoke with Josh Huck, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S Embassy in Athens.
