Ukraine to import first Azerbaijani gas via Trans-Balkan route

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.

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