Croatia’s gas supply remains stable and uninterrupted, the Ministry of Economy confirmed on January 2, following the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The country’s gas needs are met from three primary sources: the LNG terminal on Krk Island, domestic production, and the underground storage facility at PSP Okoli, which is currently at 60% capacity.
Since the LNG terminal began operations, Croatia has not depended on Russian gas, ensuring energy security for the country. The terminal, alongside domestic production and the storage facility, fully satisfies national energy requirements. Moreover, Croatia’s gas infrastructure provides significant support to neighboring countries, enhancing the energy security of Southeast Europe.
The Ministry of Economy emphasized that the LNG terminal on Krk Island plays a critical role in securing gas supplies not just for Croatia, but also for the broader region. Alternative supply routes have been established to support EU member states that were previously reliant on gas transported through Ukraine, complemented by ample storage capacity.
Croatia’s domestic gas consumption has gradually declined over the years, from 3.04 billion cubic meters in 2020 to 2.9 billion in 2021, 2.53 billion in 2022, and 2.59 billion cubic meters in 2023. The LNG terminal alone has an annual capacity of 2.9 billion cubic meters, more than sufficient to cover the country’s yearly gas demand, with additional capacity to secure supply for the region.
Since the LNG terminal’s launch, gas from 108 LNG ships has been delivered to Croatia’s gas network. Most of this gas has come from the United States, along with contributions from countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, and Egypt. In total, 15.062 billion cubic meters of gas have been imported, some of which has been exported to neighboring countries.
In addition, the Croatian government has designated the “Infrastructure Accompanying the Strategic Investment Project LNG Terminal” as a strategic investment project, valued at €534 million (excluding VAT). This project includes vital pipeline routes, such as the Omišalj-Zlobin route, and interconnections with Slovenia. With plans to expand the LNG terminal’s capacity to 6.1 billion cubic meters and build new pipelines, Croatia aims to solidify its position as a key energy hub for both the region and the European Union. These efforts are expected to enhance Croatia’s energy independence and ensure the continuity and security of gas supplies in the future.