Regional energy regulators approve new gas supply routes from Greece to Ukraine

Energy regulators from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova have approved the proposal of gas transmission system operators to launch new capacity products — Route 2 and Route 3 — for gas supplies from Greece to Ukraine until the end of April 2026. The decision was announced by Bulgartransgaz.

The new routes will be auctioned together with Route 1, which has already proven its market relevance. The first auction for January capacity is scheduled for 22 December 2025. Regulators also approved a mechanism to increase total capacity across all three routes by reallocating unbooked capacities on the Ruse/Giurgiu – Negru Vodă 1/Kardam section.

According to Bulgartransgaz CEO Vladimir Malinov, the expanded capacity and tariff discounts offered by operators create additional opportunities for Ukraine to secure gas supplies during the winter season and strengthen regional energy security.

The three routes form the southern axis of the Vertical Gas Corridor, linking Greek LNG infrastructure with the Danube region and Ukraine.

IDR comment

The approval of additional gas routes from Greece to Ukraine is a strategic step for strengthening energy security in the Danube region. It enhances supply diversification, reinforces the southern energy corridor through Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova, and reduces dependence on traditional eastern routes. For the Ukrainian Danube area, this decision increases the resilience of critical infrastructure and deepens integration with EU energy markets amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.