The National Joint Stock Company “Naftogaz of Ukraine” has signed its first natural gas purchase and sale agreement with Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR).

According to the company, an initial test gas delivery is being conducted via the Trans-Balkan corridor along the Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine route.

“This is a small but strategically important step that paves the way for long-term cooperation. It is also another example of diversifying supply sources and strengthening Ukraine’s energy security,” said Sergii Koretskyi, Chief Executive Officer of Naftogaz.

Ukraine has scaled back domestic gas production due to repeated Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure. As a result, the country plans to import large volumes of gas from Europe this year.

In June, then-Minister of Energy German Galushchenko stated that at least 4.6 billion cubic meters of imported gas would be pumped into Ukraine’s storage facilities. As of that time, 2.9 billion cubic meters had already been contracted and financially secured.

Emil Huseynli

Special correspondent