Croatia ensures stable gas supply amid Russian transit disruption

Omisalj, Krk (Photo: Wakowlk/CC BY-SA 3.0)

ZAGREB, 3 January 2025 (Hina) – Gas supply in Croatia remains stable and uninterrupted, the Ministry of Economy reported on Thursday, following the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine a day earlier.

Croatia’s gas needs are met from three primary sources: the LNG terminal, domestic production, and the underground storage facility at PSP Okoli, which is currently at 60% of its capacity.

“Thanks to the strategic role of the LNG terminal on Krk Island, the Republic of Croatia has not been dependent on Russian gas since the terminal began operations. Gas is secured from three main sources: the LNG terminal, domestic production, and the underground storage facility at PSP Okoli, which is currently at 60% capacity. This setup meets all national energy requirements while also providing significant support to countries in the region,” stated the Ministry of Economy.

The Ministry highlighted that the Croatian LNG terminal has played a key role in ensuring gas supply security across Southeast Europe. Additionally, alternative supply routes have been established to adequately support EU member states that were most reliant on gas transported through Ukraine, complemented by sufficient storage capacities.

Gradual Reduction in Domestic Gas Consumption

Croatia’s annual domestic gas consumption has steadily declined over recent years, from 3.04 billion cubic metres in 2020 to 2.9 billion in 2021, 2.53 billion in 2022, and 2.59 billion cubic metres in 2023.

The LNG terminal alone provides an annual capacity of 2.9 billion cubic metres of gas, exceeding the total yearly consumption of all Croatian customers and ensuring additional supply security, according to the Ministry’s statement.

Since the LNG terminal began operations, gas from 108 LNG ships has been delivered into Croatia’s gas network.

The majority of this gas has originated from the United States, with contributions from countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, and Egypt. A total of 15.062 billion cubic metres of gas has been imported, some of which has been exported to neighbouring countries.

Strategic Investments in Energy Infrastructure

The Ministry also recalled that the government on Thursday designated the “Infrastructure Accompanying the Strategic Investment Project LNG Terminal” as a strategic investment project. The project is valued at €534 million (excluding VAT) and encompasses critical pipeline routes, including the Omišalj-Zlobin route and interconnections with Slovenia.

With the expansion of the LNG terminal’s capacity to 6.1 billion cubic metres and the construction of new gas pipelines, Croatia aims to position itself as an energy hub for the region and the European Union. These developments will enhance independence, continuity, and the security of gas supply, the Ministry concluded.