On March 14, 2024, a delegation of the GTS Operator of Ukraine led by its Commercial Director Vadym Rybachuk held a working meeting with representatives of Moldova’s GTS operator Vestmoldtransgaz (VMTG) and the country’s Ministry of Energy.

The key topics discussed at the meeting included issues of interoperability and strategic aspects of cooperation. The parties particularly discussed possibilities for the development and expansion of the Trans-Balkan route, as well as creation of a joint product for the provision of services to customers with a view to ensuring the increased use of Ukrainian and Moldovan GTS’ capacities. Such product will foster an increase in the volume of natural gas injected into Ukrainian gas storage facilities and its further transportation to Central European countries.

The parties designated 2023 as the year of the positive start of cooperation on the development of the Trans-Balkan route, as it was back then that about 0.6 bcm of gas was transported to Ukraine via Romania and Moldova for temporary storage in Ukrainian underground facilities.

Let it be reminded that in January 2024, GTSOU and VMTG joined the Vertical Corridor initiative, a project that is designed to connect FRSU capacities in Southern Europe and consumers in Central and Eastern Europe. The Ukrainian side offers not only access to transit capacities but also the opportunity to store gas in Ukrainian underground facilities, balancing the demand of European consumers. In February 2024, GTSOU held consultations with the GTS operators of Moldova and Romania with regard to projects on increased capacities. Operators are currently finalizing documents for their submission to regulators for approval.