Currently, natural gas storages are more than 60% full and could reach 100% in September, Energy Minister Virgil Popescu told Mediaş on Thursday.

“We have to get used to the idea that Romania will become a net exporter of gas at the end of 2026. Let’s not forget that we will be exporters of gas, and gas enters and exits Romania. Our deposits are currently more than 60%. There are more than 1.9 billion cubic meters, I estimate that in September we will be at 100%,” said Popescu.

Answering the question whether Romania still imports gas from Azerbaijan, he clarified that only if consumption increases.

“If consumption increases. We still have a contract with Azerbaijan for one billion cubic meters for this winter as insurance. How much do we need from him…” – said Popescu.

The Minister of Energy spoke very optimistically about the investment decision in Neptun Deep, reminding that it will be made during June.

“I said that I am very optimistic about the investment decision… This decision will be communicated to the stock exchange, I suspect, for the first time by both companies, because not only Petrom has to take it, Romgaz has to take it too. I went to Romgaz in the morning, I spoke with the management of Romgaz. They are ready to make this decision today,” said Virgil Popescu.

He participated in Mediaş in the official launch of tests on the operation of natural gas devices and the distribution network with a mixture of 80% natural gas and 20% hydrogen, which is the first phase of the 20HyGrid pilot project. (Agerpress)