In line with the strategic purpose of the initiative, nominations will be restricted solely to exit to Ukraine - with no access to national virtual trading points or domestic exit points in the transit countries

The independent natural gas transmission operator ICGB, in cooperation with the transmission system operators (TSOs) of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, is prepared to launch two new cross-border capacity products: Route 2 and Route 3. These strategic gas transmission routes will enhance regional energy security and provide additional direct access from northern Greece to Ukraine, with connectivity to Alexandroupolis LNG and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) systems.

Following formal approval by ICGB’s Supervisory Board, the proposed capacity products will now be subject to the respective regulatory approvals by the national energy regulators along the route.

Route 2 and Route 3 build on the previously announced bundled capacity product under Route 1, part of the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative. Their main purpose is to facilitate the timely and cost-effective injection of natural gas into Ukraine’s underground storage facilities ahead of the winter season.

Route 2 originates at the Amfitriti interconnection point on the DESFA grid, crosses the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector (IGB), and continues through the Trans-Balkan corridor, following the path:

• Amfitriti → Komotini (IGB) → Stara Zagora → Negru Voda 1 / Kardam → Isaccea 1 / Orlovka → Kaushany → Grebenyky

Route 3 begins at ICGB’s interconnection point with TAP and follows the same path:

• Komotini (IGB entry from TAP) → Stara Zagora → Negru Voda 1 / Kardam → Isaccea 1 / Orlovka → Kaushany → Grebenyky

To ensure these products are commercially viable and attractive to market participants, all participating TSOs have agreed to apply a 25% discount on regular monthly tariffs. ICGB and Ukraine’s GTSOU have taken an even bolder step, offering a 46% discount each - the most significant in the region - as a clear demonstration of the joint commitment to Ukraine’s energy resilience and regional cooperation. Capacity will be offered exclusively as monthly products through a single uniform-price auction per month. In line with the strategic purpose of the initiative, nominations will be restricted solely to exit to Ukraine - with no access to national virtual trading points (VTPs) or domestic exit points in the transit countries.

With the introduction of Route 2 and Route 3, ICGB reinforces its role as a central artery of the Vertical Gas Corridor, connecting diversified gas sources from the south with markets in the SEE region, Ukraine and Moldova. The company’s decision to match the largest discount in the region further underscores its long-term commitment to regional solidarity, energy security, and strategic flexibility.

“We are grateful to ICGB’s Supervisory Board for endorsing this important strategic initiative,” said George Satlas and Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officers of ICGB. “This decision reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and supporting energy security across the SEE region. We look forward to receiving the necessary approvals from national regulators and to working closely with our partner TSOs to enable secure, efficient, and affordable access to gas for Ukraine and the wider region.”