The National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission of Ukraine (NEURC) has approved a joint mechanism that will simplify the process of importing natural gas into Ukraine via the Trans-Balkan corridor, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

The decision allows the Ukrainian gas transmission system operator (GTSOU LLC) to offer joint transmission services in cooperation with the gas transmission system operators of Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz), Greece (DESFA), Moldova (VestMoldTransgaz SRL) and Romania (Transgaz SA).

The relevant resolution, entitled “On the specifics of capacity allocation at the interconnection points with the Republic of Moldova and Romania for transport services provided jointly with the operators of the Trans-Balkan gas transmission corridor,” was adopted at a meeting of the regulator on May 27.

NEURC explained that the decision allows for a single auction to be held for capacity allocation at all points along the Trans-Balkan Corridor, in particular for the natural gas transmission route from Greece to Ukraine, with a projected daily flow of around 3 million cubic meters.

According to the Commission, this step will increase the attractiveness of the Ukrainian natural gas market and expand opportunities for diversification of supply sources.

“This, in turn, will strengthen the energy security of the region in the context of the ongoing military aggression by the Russian Federation,” the regulator emphasized. | BGNES