The independent operator of the gas transport network ICGB (Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria) in cooperation with the gas transport operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine is preparing the launch of two new cross-border natural gas supply routes — Route 2 and Route 3.
As informs analytics platform ExPro, the move is an important part of the large-scale Vertical Corridor regional initiative. Its main goal is to create additional opportunities for natural gas transportation to Ukraine and expand access to southern sources of supply
Route 2 starts at the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal in Greece, then passes through the territory of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova and enters the Ukrainian gas transportation system. Thanks to this route, Ukraine will have direct access to liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is strategically important in conditions of energy instability.
Route 3 starts at the junction of the TAP and IGB pipelines and follows the same route as Route 2, providing an additional fuel supply channel to the Ukrainian system.
As it is emphasized, the implementation of these routes will allow to strengthen the position of ICGB as a key energy hub that combines supplies from southern directions with the markets of Southeast Europe, Ukraine and Moldova.
All participating operators agreed on a 25% discount from the standard monthly tariff. At the same time, ICGB and the Ukrainian “HTS Operator” introduced an even more favorable condition — a 46% discount, which is currently the highest rate in the region. It is assumed that the tariff proposal will be implemented through a single auction with a fixed price.
According to ExPro Daily Gas, the supply of natural gas to Ukraine via Route 1 began in July 2025. During the first two weeks of August, daily import volumes increased to 416,000 cubic meters. In general, more than 10 million cubic meters of gas were delivered to the Ukrainian HTS during July and the first half of August. In order to fully launch the new routes Route 2 and Route 3, it is necessary to obtain the approval of the regulators of the countries through which the pipelines run. Only after that they will be able to work at full capacity.
We will remind you that the “Vertical Corridor” is considered as a strategic infrastructure project that unites the gas transport systems of Central and South-Eastern Europe. Its task is to provide a new reliable route for the supply of natural gas from alternative sources and to strengthen the energy security of the region in the conditions of geopolitical instability and Russia’s long war against Ukraine.
