Vertical Gas Corridor secures EU-backed tariff revamp to widen capacity booking options

Europe’s push to keep gas flows resilient is taking a more practical shape along one of its key cross-regional routes: the Vertical Gas Corridor. Transmission system operators from Greece toward Ukraine have reached an agreement with the European Commission on changes to how transport costs are structured—an update intended to make bookings easier for market participants while supporting regional supply security.

The deal covers a new tariff structure for the gas route linking Greece and Ukraine. Organisers say the revision is meant to strengthen the corridor’s commercial attractiveness, while also reinforcing energy security across participating countries.

A framework aligned with EU rules

The agreement is structured to improve the competitiveness of Vertical Gas Corridor, described as a strategic pathway enabling gas flows from south toward Southeast and Central Europe. Greek operator DESFA said the revised tariff model will begin in October and has been developed in line with European Union regulations.

From expansion plans to bidirectional infrastructure

The initiative began in 2016 when it was launched by Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. Its objective was to develop infrastructure capable of supporting bidirectional gas transmission between their systems. Moldova and Ukraine joined later—in 2024—expanding the corridor’s role as an alternative supply route within the region’s broader energy landscape.

More ways to book capacity from 2026–2027

A central feature of the newly agreed commercial framework is that operators will introduce a wider range of capacity booking products. Beginning with the 2026–2027 gas year, market participants will be able to reserve transport capacity on a daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, giving traders and suppliers more scheduling flexibility.

Officials linked the change to Europe’s ongoing effort to diversify supply routes and reduce exposure to geopolitical or supply risks. They expect the updated design will help drive more dynamic market participation and better utilisation of existing infrastructure.

Smoothing the transition through interim products

To maintain continuity as systems migrate toward the new approach, operators plan to seek approval from national regulators so that current transport products remain available until October 2026. This interim step is intended to safeguard Ukraine’s supply security while implementation proceeds gradually.

The agreement arrives as Europe continues expanding access to alternative sources and strengthening its broader south-to-north gas infrastructure. Within that context, operators view the Vertical Gas Corridor as an increasingly important element of Europe’s evolving gas architecture and longer-term energy strategy.