Croatia plans to expand the LNG terminal on Krk to increase gas exports
Croatia has announced its intentions to enhance the capacity of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the island of Krk. This will create additional opportunities for gas supply, particularly to Ukraine.
The executive director of LNG Croatia, Ivan Fugas, informed that the company plans to hold an auction for additional capacities as early as the first quarter of next year. Increasing the commercial capacity of the terminal by 1 billion cubic meters per year—to 4.5 billion cubic meters—will aim to expand the European market and specifically help Ukraine. It is expected that the new opportunities will become available at the beginning of 2027.
Fugas emphasized that Ukraine will be able to use this route during winter periods when the need for gas increases. According to him, the prices for LNG Croatia’s products are among the lowest in Europe, considering the total costs of the terminal and pipeline.
Currently, the terminal’s capacity is already booked by local energy companies and Hungarian consumers until 2036. However, if demand increases following the new auction, Croatia may consider further expansion. The main suppliers of gas remain the USA, providing about two-thirds of the total volume, as well as Trinidad and Tobago and Algeria.
The context for the terminal expansion is energy instability due to the escalating confrontation between the USA and Iran, which could lead to disruptions in energy supply from the Middle East. This creates additional pressure on European markets and may increase risks for consumers during the winter period.
| Country | Supply share |
|---|---|
| USA | 67% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 11% |
| Algeria | 9% |
