Romania has stored 2.878 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas, for a filling level of 90.79%, which means that it has met its natural gas storage target for next winter more than 70 days ahead of schedule, the Energy Ministry Sebastian Burduja announced on Thursday.

According to the European legislation and the commitments undertaken at the country level, the objective of constituting natural gas stocks of 90% of the storage capacity for the winter 2024 – 2025, has a deadline of November 1, 2024.

„We stand by our commitment from last winter and for the winter to come: Romanians will not shiver either from the cold or from the fear of bills. Romania is, as always, a solid partner for the European Union. By respecting these commitments, Romania will continue to play the role of a stability pillar for the entire regional sector. We are ready for the winter as far as natural gas is concerned: we can produce around 25 million cubic meters of gas and take another 28 million cubic meters of gas out of storage every day. Thanks to Transgaz’s investments, if it is a hard winter, there is also the possibility of importing natural gas or LNG from southern Romania, from Turkey or Greece,” said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja, in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

He specified that the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal, through which gas can be delivered from outside the Russian Federation to the rest of Europe, will be operational as of October 1.

„Another piece of good news is that the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal will also start operating on October 1. This floating storage and regasification unit is essential for the Vertical Natural Gas Corridor – a Romanian initiative – through which gas from outside the Russian Federation can be delivered to the rest of Europe. In this way, we manage to ensure our energy security – at least as far as natural gas is concerned – by diversifying both the sources and the supply routes for imported gas, if necessary. And, equally importantly: I am ready, if necessary, to help our brothers across the Prut. I thank all those who have contributed to achieving our objectives, from Romanian gas producers to Romgaz and Engie, which ensure Romania’s gas storage capacity, to capacity users,” Burduja added.

AGERPRES