Five new wells expected to lift production
Croatian oil and gas company INA expects domestic natural-gas output to increase by around 10% after five new wells are commissioned in 2026. The additional production is intended to reverse several years of declining output. The five wells are forecast to add about 350,000 cubic metres per day, with the full effect becoming more apparent during 2027.
The production ramp-up is linked to an accelerated upstream investment programme launched in September 2025. Croatia aims to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce reliance on imported gas.
Current supply versus national demand
In 2025, INA produced about 588 million cubic metres of gas. Of that total, approximately 455 million cubic metres came from onshore fields, while around 143 million cubic metres was produced offshore. Croatian annual gas demand is around 2.4 billion cubic metres, leaving domestic output covering only part of consumption.
Croatia’s winter supply position is supported by storage levels, with the Okoli underground storage facility around 82% full as it enters the season.
Northern Adriatic and onshore developments
Further growth opportunities are associated with the northern Adriatic, where INA is working with Edison on a new offshore platform. Four wells are expected to be connected next year, and additional platforms may be considered depending on field development.
Onshore exploration has also generated new prospects, with ten recently drilled wells together capable of producing around 700,000 cubic metres per day. Additional pipeline infrastructure would be required before the gas can reach the market.
Acquired wells and longer-term projects
INA has acquired six gas wells from Vermilion, with production potentially starting from 2029. Longer-term opportunities include Drava 3, as well as the cross-border Zalata-Dravica project with MOL. The partners estimate the combined potential at around 750,000 cubic metres per day, subject to agreement on resource allocation and a final investment decision.
