Ukrainian state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz has signed its first agreement with SOCAR Energy Ukraine, a subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, to import a small volume of natural gas via the Trans-Balkan pipeline.
For the first time, a test shipment of gas is being delivered through the Trans-Balkan route along the Bulgaria–Romania–Ukraine corridor, Naftogaz said in a statement.
"This is a small step in terms in volume, but a strategically important one that paves the way for long-term cooperation. It is also another example of diversifying supply sources and strengthening Ukraine's energy security," Naftogaz CEO Sergei Koretsky was quoted as saying.
This strategic south–north corridor spans Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, and can bring LNG from Greek terminals, Caspian, and hub-based volumes from the Eastern Mediterranean into Central and Eastern Europe.
"This is another clear example of successful diversification of energy sources — a key factor in ensuring reliable preparations for the heating season and its smooth running," new Ukrainian energy minister Svitlana Grynchuk said in a statement.
She added that the route is "extremely important" for Ukraine, as it provides access to liquefied gas at Greek and Turkish LNG terminals, Azerbaijani and Romanian pipeline gas as well as to potentially Bulgarian offshore gas.
A Ukrainian industry source told Reuters that Ukraine is carefully tracking the origin of gas to prevent Russian fuel from being delivered.
"This is Azerbaijani gas, it is controlled. We will continue to develop (the cooperation)," the source said.
Historically, the Trans-Balkan Pipeline (TBP) has served as a major route for transporting Russian gas to Southeast Europe (SEE) and Türkiye. However, its role has gradually diminished over the past decade due to the commissioning of new import infrastructure in SEE, such as TurkStream, and, more recently, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Flows from north to south came to a complete halt with the cessation of Russian transit through Ukraine on January 1, 2025.
The United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump confirmed at a White House event....
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, for her tireless efforts in advocating...
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has thanked U.S. President Donald Trump. In his letter, the head of state expressed deep gratitud...
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to w...
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to a...
Hungary’s move to secure guaranteed Russian gas transit through Türkiye has stabilised a key supply corridor, but the country’s continued reliance on Moscow raises questions.
Ukraine faces a narrowing diplomatic space as pressure builds around U.S. backed peace proposals, warning that the structure of the conflict may leave little room to avoid difficult territorial choices.
The United Nations Security Council has issued warnings about the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, citing a sharp surge in civilian casualties amidst Russia's intensified aerial attacks, marking the deadliest period of the war in more than a year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday he was prepared to hold elections within three months if the U.S. and Kyiv's other allies could ensure the security of the vote.
Scores of demonstrators gathered outside the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo Tuesday (9 December) to protest against the awarding of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Pressure is mounting between Venezuela and the United States as both nations emphasise military preparedness and strategic positioning.
Iran and Saudi Arabia reiterated their commitment to enhance ties following a joint meeting with China in Tehran on Tuesday to follow up on implementation of the 2023 Beijing Agreement which resulted in resumption of their diplomatic relations after eight years.
The world’s leading minds and voices will be honoured on Wednesday, 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, as Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm and Oslo.
In a dramatic Champions League clash at Baku’s Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Qarabağ grabbed an early lead, but Ajax staged a thrilling comeback to win 4-2.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
Uzbekistan will introduce a nationwide system to assess the resilience of officials and civil service candidates to corruption risks from 2026, according to a presidential decree adopted this week.
A new five-year partnership framework between Georgia and the United Nations has set out priorities for development through 2030. The agreement outlines economic, social, and governance goals.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Astana on Wednesday, 10 December, for a two-day visit aimed at expanding trade, transit, and economic ties, with more than ten agreements expected to be signed.
Special representatives for Iran and Russia have discuss declining Caspian Sea levels during a meeting held in Tehran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment