N. Macedonia and Bulgaria sign natgas interconnection deal

The gas transmission system operators of Bulgaria and North Macedonia signed an agreement to increase the capacity of the existing natural gas link in the direction of North Macedonia by 182 million cubic metres per year, according to the Bulgarian energy ministry.

The interconnection agreement between Bulgartransgaz and GA-MA will enable North Macedonia to diversify its sources of gas supply via the link between the two countries' gas grids at the Kyustendil - Zidilovo point.
North Macedonia's yearly consumption is about 300 mcm at present. The country does not have natural gas deposits and relies on imports from Russia transited through Bulgaria under a gas supply contract with Gazprom that will expire in 2030.

"This agreement is a real step towards the liberalisation of the gas market, which is key to providing cheaper natural gas for our customers," said GA-MA executive director Alexander Arsic.