The Trans Adriatic Pipeline has made its Nea Mesimvria connection with Greece physically bidirectional. From Oct. 1, the point can operate as both an entry and an exit between TAP and Greek transmission operator DESFA. Previously, the connection functioned primarily as a delivery point from TAP into Greece.
The change allows gas already inside the Greek network, including supply originating from LNG terminals, to potentially flow into TAP when market conditions and capacity permit. This expands optionality among Greek LNG infrastructure, TAP, Albania and Italy. The update supports Greece’s role as a regional gas hub.
LNG imports through Greece are increasingly moving north into Bulgaria and other Balkan markets. At the same time, TAP remains a major corridor for Azerbaijani gas towards Europe. With bidirectional operation, those systems can interact more flexibly across the corridor.
The physical flexibility also strengthens competition between pipeline gas and LNG. It may not necessarily lower prices, but it provides traders with additional routing options. The arrangement increases Greece’s role as an active balancing point between regional supply sources as Southeast Europe shifts toward portfolio trading.