The National Commission for State Regulation in the Spheres of Energy and Public Utilities (NERC) has decided to extend the operation of the joint capacity allocation mechanism for the Trans-Balkan gas corridor from May to September 2026. This allows gas market participants to continue using an alternative natural gas supply route, enhancing Ukraine’s energy security in the face of the upcoming heating season.
This is reported by Finway
Participation in international energy projects and roadmap
The regulator systematically participates in international meetings dedicated to access issues for the Trans-Balkan Corridor, which includes Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, the European Commission, national regulators, and gas transmission system operators participate in these meetings.
During these negotiations, a Roadmap was developed, outlining a number of important steps to improve access to capacities:
- introduction of guaranteed access to capacities along the entire route for a longer term, including yearly and quarterly;
- harmonization of technical requirements, including natural gas quality standards;
- expansion of traders’ access to virtual trading points;
- optimization of tariff policy to enhance the competitiveness of the route.
The mentioned initiatives will be implemented gradually by both regulators and gas transmission system operators.
Continuity of supply and diversification of routes
The continuation of the existing capacity allocation mechanism ensures stability and predictability for the market until new approaches are implemented, allowing to avoid regulatory and financial gaps in the use of this critically important route.
“For the market, this means maintaining predictable access to the capacities of the Trans-Balkan Corridor, expanding the possibilities for importing natural gas from the southern direction, and enhancing competition among supply routes. At the same time, together with our partners, we are working to eliminate regulatory barriers and reduce transportation costs to make the route competitive for traders,” emphasized NERC Chairman Yuriy Vlasenko.
According to the NERC Chairman, such steps are of strategic importance for Ukraine’s energy security. They contribute to the diversification of routes and supply sources, increasing resilience to potential disruptions in natural gas supply and creating additional guarantees for the stable passage of the upcoming heating season.