Ukraine commences gas imports via Bulgaria and Romania
The Trans-Balkan gas corridor, a groundbreaking supply route for natural gas, has officially commenced operations. This corridor, which transports gas from Azerbaijan (and the broader Caspian region) through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova to Ukraine, marks a significant milestone in the diversification of energy sources for Ukraine and Moldova beyond Russian gas systems[1][3][4].
History and Development
The 2023 agreement between Bulgaria and Turkey, which granted Bulgaria access to Turkish gas infrastructure and enabled Caspian gas transportation northwards via modernized compressor stations, served as the key enabler for this corridor[1]. With Ukraine having not purchased Russian gas directly since 2015 and ending its transit contract with Gazprom in 2024, diversification has become urgent[3]. The first gas flows were initiated on July 28, 2025, with a test shipment marking the first-ever Azerbaijani gas delivered to Ukraine through this route[1][3][4]. The corridor passes through Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, opening a new southern supply route for Ukraine[2].
Capacity and Usage
Currently, the corridor's capacity is limited to approximately 2-3 million cubic meters per day, but expansion plans suggest a potential increase to 5-7 billion cubic meters per year if pipeline modernization and pricing issues are addressed[1]. As of August 2025, 20% of the corridor’s capacity had been booked primarily for Ukrainian imports, supported by new capacity booking products that reduce transmission costs by 25%[2]. The route is also seen as a means to better utilize Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities, enhancing market flexibility for European traders[2].
Implications for Ukraine and Moldova’s Energy Security
For Ukraine, the corridor presents a strategically significant alternative gas supply route that bypasses Russian-controlled systems, a crucial step in reducing dependency and enhancing energy independence[1][3]. For Moldova, the corridor offers access to alternative supplies, particularly important given the country’s challenges after cutting direct ties with Gazprom and Russian gas[4]. The corridor symbolizes strengthened cooperation between Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and European partners who share aligned geopolitical and energy security interests[1][3]. However, some infrastructure limitations remain, such as outdated compressor stations and high transit tariffs, especially in winter when pipeline throughput may drop[1].
In a recent statement, Sergii Koretskyi, CEO of Naftogaz, described the test delivery as an important step towards long-term cooperation and diversification of supply sources. Romania's gas producer Romgaz and private supplier OMV Petrom are additional sources of natural gas for Ukraine and Moldova, further bolstering the region's energy security[5]. The Trans-Balkan corridor brings energy from the Caspian region to Romania, and subsequent supplies can reach Ukraine and Moldova[6].
The test delivery involved a small volume of natural gas, but it signifies a step towards diversifying Ukraine's gas supply sources and strengthening its energy security. The Trans-Balkan corridor's establishment in 2025 marks a major strategic enhancement to regional energy security, enabling Ukraine and Moldova to import Caspian gas directly. This pathway diversifies supply sources, reduces reliance on Russia, and strengthens integration with European energy markets, though further infrastructure upgrades and tariff adjustments are needed to fully realize its potential[1][2][3][4].
[1] European Council on Foreign Relations. (2025). The Trans-Balkan gas corridor - A new era for Ukraine and Moldova's energy security. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.eu/article/trans-balkan-gas-corridor-new-era-ukraine-moldovas-energy-security
[2] Reuters. (2025). Ukraine's Naftogaz signs deal with Azerbaijan's SOCAR for gas imports. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ukraines-naftogaz-signs-deal-azerbaijans-socar-gas-imports-2025-07-28/
[3] Kyiv Post. (2025). Ukraine receives first shipment of Azerbaijani gas through Trans-Balkan pipeline. Retrieved from https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraine-receives-first-shipment-of-azerbaijani-gas-through-trans-balkan-pipeline.html
[4] Euractiv. (2025). Moldova's energy security: A new chapter begins with the Trans-Balkan gas corridor. Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/moldovas-energy-security-a-new-chapter-begins-with-the-trans-balkan-gas-corridor/
[5] Naftogaz Group. (2025). Naftogaz and OMV Petrom sign agreement for natural gas supplies. Retrieved from https://www.naftogaz.com/en/media-centre/news/naftogaz-and-omv-petrom-sign-agreement-for-natural-gas-supplies
[6] Romania Insider. (2025). Romgaz to enter Moldovan energy market. Retrieved from https://romania-insider.com/romgaz-moldovan-energy-market/
- The Trans-Balkan gas corridor's establishment in 2025 has opened a new avenue for Ukraine and Moldova to secure energy supplies, as it enables imports of Caspian gas, which is financed by the finance industry.
- As the Trans-Balkan gas corridor is expected to increase its capacity in the future, the energy industry will witness significant growth, especially in regions like Ukraine and Romania, where new gas sources are being exploited and existing infrastructure is being modernized.
