ZAGREB, 3 Jan (Hina) - Croatia’s gas supply remains stable and uninterrupted, the Ministry of Economy reported.

This follows the cessation of Russian gas transit via Ukraine. Gas is secured from three primary sources: the Krk LNG terminal, domestic production, and underground storage at PSP Okoli, currently filled to 60% capacity.

Thanks to the strategic role of the LNG terminal on Krk island, Croatia has not been dependent on Russian gas since the terminal began operations. These diversified sources meet national energy demands while significantly supporting regional countries, the Ministry stated.

The Krk LNG terminal also plays a crucial role in ensuring energy security across Southeast Europe. Sufficient alternative supply routes and storage capacities have been established for EU member states previously reliant on Russian gas via Ukraine.

Croatia's annual domestic gas consumption has declined steadily, from 3.04 billion cubic metres in 2020 to 2.59 billion in 2023. With an annual capacity of 2.9 billion cubic metres from the LNG terminal alone, Croatia's supply security is further assured.

Since its launch, the LNG terminal has delivered gas from 108 LNG shipments—mainly from the US but also from Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, and Egypt—injecting 15.06 billion cubic metres into Croatia's gas network, some of which was exported to regional countries.

The government recently declared the "Supporting Infrastructure for the Strategic Investment Project LNG Terminal" as a strategic project valued at €534 million (excluding VAT). This includes pipelines like Omišalj-Zlobin and a connection to Slovenia. With the terminal's expansion to 6.1 billion cubic metres and new pipelines, Croatia positions itself as a regional and EU energy hub, ensuring independence and secure gas supply, the Ministry concluded.