Vertical Corridor Could Generate Up to EUR 250 Million Annually for Romanian Companies

The “Vertical Corridor” may generate up to EUR 250 million in additional annual profits for Romanian companies, according to Romania’s Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan. The statement was made during discussions held within the framework of the Transatlantic Summit on Gas Security, where participating countries examined interconnection points, transmission capacities, and implementation timelines.

The Vertical Corridor concept envisages the integration of gas flows from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania toward Central Europe, as well as Moldova and Ukraine. The initiative is designed to capitalize on Black Sea gas production potential and to consolidate Romania’s position as a regional gas hub. According to preliminary assessments, increased transit volumes and improved market liquidity could provide Romanian operators with up to EUR 250 million in additional annual revenues.

The primary beneficiaries on the Romanian side are Transgaz SA, the national gas transmission system operator, and its subsidiary Vestmoldtransgaz SRL. Both companies received regulatory approval in Bucharest and Chișinău to apply a 50% discount on regulated capacity booking tariffs for natural gas imports designated for winter supply to Ukraine via the Vertical Corridor routes. These measures entered into force on 1 November and apply at all relevant interconnection points.

Earlier, the transmission system operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine agreed to extend a preferential tariff regime for capacity reservations specifically intended for Ukraine. While Moldova participates at the infrastructure operator level, Moldovan commercial companies are not directly involved in transit operations.

Comment of the Institute of Danube Research 

The Institute emphasizes that the Vertical Corridor is gradually evolving from an emergency winter supply mechanism into a structural component of the emerging energy architecture of the Danube–Black Sea region. For Ukraine, it represents a practical diversification of supply routes and enhanced resilience of the gas system. For Romania, it institutionalizes the country’s role as a strategic energy hub connecting the Southern Gas Corridor, Black Sea resources, and Central European markets. Given the strategic importance of Odesa Oblast and the Lower Danube area, the project also carries a significant security dimension, strengthening regional stability and cross-border energy integration.