Croatian transmission system operator Plinacro and Hungary’s FGSZ have signed an agreement aimed at increasing cross-border gas transmission capacity between the two countries. The expansion is intended to strengthen the role of the Krk LNG terminal as a supply point for Central Europe. It is also designed to reduce reliance on traditional eastern import routes.
Additional capacity at Donji Miholjac–Drávaszerdahely interconnection
The agreement covers added capacity at the Donji Miholjac–Drávaszerdahely interconnection in the Croatia-to-Hungary direction. The new capacity is scheduled to become available after Plinacro completes the Bosiljevo–Sisak and Sisak–Kozarac pipeline projects. Both pipeline projects are planned for completion by the end of 2026.
The additional interconnection capacity is set to follow completion of upstream network works that connect the Krk LNG supply route into Croatia’s inland system. The two pipeline sections are expected to support a more continuous path toward Hungary once integrated with existing infrastructure. This timing aligns with the availability window defined in the agreement.
Linking Krk LNG to inland networks and onward flows
The planned sections are described as complementing completed pipelines, including Omišalj–Zlobin and Zlobin–Bosiljevo. Together, they create a more continuous route from the Krk terminal into Croatia’s inland transmission network and onward toward Hungary. The investment is expected to enable LNG landed on the Adriatic coast to reach a larger Central European market.
For Hungary, the additional route provides greater supply flexibility and an alternative to Russian pipeline gas. For Croatia, it strengthens the commercial position of Krk and supports higher utilisation of infrastructure developed partly as a regional asset rather than solely for domestic consumption.
Access to global LNG cargoes and corridor role
The agreement is also intended to improve Hungary’s access to global LNG cargoes without relying entirely on Austrian or Slovak entry points. The practical impact is stated to depend on the capacity offered to shippers, tariff competitiveness, and LNG availability at Krk. These factors determine how shippers can use the expanded corridor.
The corridor’s significance extends beyond Croatia and Hungary, with potential northbound capacity that could support supplies to Slovakia and other connected markets. Additional capacity could also provide traders with flexibility during periods of pipeline disruption or seasonal demand pressure. Croatia is described as moving from a small national gas market toward a transit position linking the Adriatic LNG system with Central Europe.
