Between January 1 and 3, 2025, Bulgarian natural gas transmission system operator Bulgartransgaz reported that natural gas flows through Bulgaria remained stable, consistent with the levels observed in the latter half of December 2024. This included flows at the Negru Voda/Kardam interconnection point, which facilitates gas transit to Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, and Hungary.
The end of Russian natural gas transit through Ukraine occurred on January 1, 2025, following the expiration of the contract between the two countries at the close of 2024. Ukraine refused to negotiate a new transit agreement amid ongoing Russian military aggression. In response, the European Commission had earlier stated that the EU was prepared for the suspension, asserting that Europe’s gas infrastructure is flexible enough to ensure the continued supply of gas to central and eastern European nations through alternative routes.
Bulgartransgaz confirmed that it currently has available transmission capacity at its interconnection points, enabling the potential to handle additional gas volumes. The company stated that it is fully prepared to meet increased transmission demands at these points, up to their technical limits, should all available capacity be reserved and requested. In line with European regulations, Bulgartransgaz ensures that spare capacity is transparently and fairly allocated through auctions, in accordance with the European Network of Transmission System Operators’ schedule.
Regarding the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative in Bulgaria, Bulgartransgaz emphasized the significance of its ongoing projects in bolstering the region’s natural gas supply security. Contracts for these projects have been signed following successful tenders, and the implementation is proceeding as planned. Environmental compliance procedures for the Rupcha-Vetrino looping and the Piperevo-Pernik transmission pipeline are currently underway, alongside spatial planning and design activities. While the projects are scheduled to be completed in early 2026, Bulgartransgaz is working to accelerate their operation, aiming for completion by the end of 2025.
