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.
Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad on Saturday for Pakistan-mediated talks ...
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be lengthened by three weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on social media website...
Iran is pursuing a dual-track strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, balancing cooperation with South Korea while increasing military pressure, as tensi...
Around 14% of Central Asia’s population - about 12 million people - are facing food shortages, according to the United Nations. The...
The U.S. and the European Union are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to establish a partnership on the procurement and productio...
Russia and Ukraine have swapped prisoners of war, according to officials on both sides. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 193 prisoners, including soldiers and border guards, had been returned from Russia, some injured and facing criminal charges.
The European Union adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday (23 April), introducing sweeping new restrictions aimed at weakening Moscow’s war economy and limiting its capacity to sustain the war in Ukraine.
Türkiye is making efforts to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and bring together the leaders of the warring sides, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a meeting in Ankara, the Turkish presidency said on Wednesday.
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday, exclusively to Reuters.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted three vessels, seizing two of them for alleged maritime violations and transferring them to Iranian shores, as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is extending its ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a proposal.
Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.
The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Around 14% of Central Asia’s population - about 12 million people - are facing food shortages, according to the United Nations. The issue was a central focus at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana.
Türkiye sent six trucks carrying critical medical supplies to Iran on Thursday, reinforcing humanitarian assistance amid challenging cross-border conditions.
Afghanistan is exploring new business opportunities in cotton, tourism and minerals following trade and investment talks this week with officials from Uzbekistan and Türkiye.
Georgia is entering a pivotal economic and geopolitical phase, as talks with China to expand a free trade agreement coincide with renewed progress on the Anaklia Deep Sea Port.
The European Union has introduced new trade restrictions on Kyrgyzstan under its 20th sanctions package against Russia, marking the first time a Central Asian country has faced measures targeting an entire trade channel.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment