Ukraine’s Energy Future Brightens with First Azerbaijani Gas Shipment

Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz Serhiy Koretsky has announced that Ukraine successfully received its inaugural shipment of natural gas from Azerbaijan through the Trans-Balkan Corridor, marking a key milestone in the country’s energy diversification efforts.

The initial test delivery followed the route from Bulgaria through Romania to the Ukrainian border, signaling the opening of a new supply corridor, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

While the shipment volume was modest, Koretsky emphasized its strategic importance as a foundation for long-term cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

This development follows Naftogaz’s recent signing of its first gas purchase agreement with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Svetlana Hrynchuk, highlighted that the Trans-Balkan pipeline will provide Ukraine with access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports arriving at Greek and Turkish terminals, alongside Azerbaijani gas supplies. She praised the Naftogaz-SOCAR deal as the outcome of persistent negotiations and a significant step forward for Ukraine’s energy security.

The Trans-Balkan Corridor is a major pipeline network traversing Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, designed to enhance regional energy connectivity.