The simple length of the drinking water distribution network in Romania increased, in 2020, by 1.8%, compared to the previous year, while the length of the sewer pipes was 4.7% bigger and the network of natural gas distribution increased by 3%, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

Regarding the distribution of natural gas, in 2020, the total length of the pipelines stood at 43,563.4 km, of which 24,188.1 km in municipalities and cities.

During the previous year, natural gas was distributed in 956 localities, of which 247 in municipalities and cities, while the length of distribution pipelines was extended by 1,276 km.

At the same time, the volume of natural gas distributed at the end of 2020 was of 8.738 billion cubic meters, 289.6 million cubic meters less than the previous year. Of the total volume of natural gas distributed in the reference period, 3.444 billion cubic meters were destined for domestic consumption (39.4% compared to the total volume of natural gas distributed). Of the total volume of gas distributed, 87.5% were distributed in urban areas.

According to the quoted source, last year, the distributed thermal energy was of 7,227,208 Gcal, with 328,422 Gcal more than in 2019, of which for the population 6,034,471 Gcal (+363,409).

The distribution of thermal energy was made in 69 localities in Romania, of which in 59 municipalities and cities.