Moldova reduces Vertical Corridor gas transit tariffs by 90%
Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu announced a 90% reduction in natural gas transit tariffs on Route 1 during a government meeting on June 3, 2026. The major tariff cut will take effect on October 1, 2026. The strategic measure aims to boost the competitiveness and volume of the energy corridor traversing several European states.
According to the minister, the gas transit pathway integrates energy terminals across Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova. The network design specifically allows for subsequent delivery into Ukraine and its extensive underground storage facilities.
"The natural gas transmission system operator of the Republic of Moldova comes, starting October 1, 2026, with this tariff reduction, to make this route even more attractive, and even more feasible for gas imports to Ukraine," Junghietu stated.
The minister emphasized that the adjustment is part of a broader, coordinated effort between multiple transmission system operators throughout the region. Addressing cost structures and potential impacts on consumer prices, Junghietu noted that transit fees represent only a single component of the total cost of natural gas.
"In the gas tariff, there is the transport component. 'Route 1' was designed and coordinated by the five transmission system operators specifically to make it feasible and so that gas reaches the underground storages of Ukraine," the official explained.
Regarding the financial impact on the Moldovan state budget, the minister rejected claims of direct financial losses. He argued that prior investments made in national energy infrastructure are already achieving their intended economic milestones.
"They are missing out on nothing. In the Republic of Moldova there are the investments that were made in the respective infrastructure. The vertical route is one that has already been amortized, and its potential must be harnessed," Junghietu mentioned.
The minister added that regular tariff adjustments are required to maintain competitive edge and lower final delivery costs to Ukraine. He noted that other regional operators have previously implemented similar financial optimizations.
Route 1 operates as a specialized transport corridor within the larger European Vertical Corridor framework, established to facilitate natural gas transit from Greece to Ukraine.
Under this mechanism, liquefied natural gas (LNG), including shipments sourced from the United States, is offloaded at Greek maritime terminals. The gas is then transmitted via reverse-flow operations through the Trans-Balkan Pipeline across Bulgaria and Romania, before traversing Moldova to reach Ukrainian underground storage facilities. This regional initiative underpins the energy security of Eastern Europe while assisting Ukraine in building vital gas reserves.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
