Romania has cut underground gas storage injections and reduced exports toward Hungary after pipeline-related work in Bulgaria interrupted most imported supply. The change has affected regional flow patterns, including volumes moving into Hungary and onward supply arrangements. The disruption is expected to continue through the week.
Storage injections and flows to Hungary
Storage injections have fallen to about 9.8 million cubic metres per day, compared with a typical range of 12-13 million cubic metres. Flows toward Hungary have dropped from roughly 7.7 million to 3.4 million cubic metres per day. The reduction aligns with the period of import interruption linked to work in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria pipeline connection work and upstream capacity expansion
The ongoing disruption is tied to connection work being completed by operators in Bulgaria. The work is associated with an expansion of upstream pipeline capacity from 5 bcm to 10 bcm per year. Romania’s adjustments are occurring while these activities are carried out.
Compensation via domestic production and net export shift
Romania is compensating for the reduced imports through higher reliance on domestic production. During the same period, Romania has temporarily shifted into a net export position. This adjustment is reflected in the changes to cross-border flows discussed for Hungary.
Moldova supplies and Romanian storage levels
Supplies toward Moldova remain around 2.8 million cubic metres per day. The figure includes transit gas entering Romania from Bulgaria as well as additional volumes supplied from Romanian production. At the same time, Romanian storage is around 80% full, equivalent to approximately 3.17 bcm of usable gas.
Injection season outlook through Oct. 31
Despite slower injections, storage is still expected to move above 90% by the end of the injection season on Oct. 31. This projection is cited as limiting the immediate impact on winter supply security. The operational changes are therefore occurring within a timeframe that targets higher end-season storage levels.
