Moldova expands GTS reservation capabilities for gas supply to Ukraine

CHISINAU. May 6 (Interfax) - Moldova's National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) is introducing a mechanism for conditional reservation of gas transmission system (GTS) capacity, which allows users of the Trans-Balkan Gas Pipeline (part of the Vertical Gas Corridor) to jointly reserve and use transit capacity at entry and exit points of the system, the ANRE said.

"The introduction of this capacity provision product underlines Moldova's desire to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the Vertical Corridor and the Southern Gas Corridor. Capacity will be offered mainly for transit of natural gas from the Causeni connection point (Ukraine-Moldova direction) to the Grebeniki connection point (Moldova-Ukraine direction) under special technical and commercial conditions," the agency said.

The innovation aims to increase the efficiency of GTS use, attract new market participants, and benefit from Moldova's geographical position in the Trans-Balkan natural gas transportation corridor, it said.

It was previously reported that in mid-April, the ANRE extended the validity of three route products for natural gas transportation via the Trans-Balkan Gas Pipeline until the end of the gas year - to September 30, 2026.

These routes ensure the transportation of natural gas from Greece (including from LNG terminals, as well as from LNG supplies from the United States) through Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova to Ukraine, including into underground storage facilities.