The volume of natural gas that will be exported from the Neptun Deep perimeter to Germany represents less than 1% of the total estimated production of the Black Sea field, given that the reserves assessed in the area are over 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the Ministry of Energy states.
“Romania has assumed the role of leader in the European energy sector. The information regarding the future export, after 2027, of a quantity of natural gas from the Neptun Deep perimeter, by OMV Petrom to a major company in Germany, represents a natural step within a project of strategic importance for our country and for Europe. For complete clarification and to allay any fears, we would like to emphasize that the volume exported to Germany, according to publicly available data, represents less than 1% of the total estimated production of the Neptun Deep field. This is a tiny proportion, as Neptun Deep has reserves estimated at over 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Moreover, these estimates may increase significantly as drilling operations advance. We ensure that this resource will be used responsibly for the benefit of Romania and our citizens. Each partner in the project, both Romgaz and OMV Petrom, is responsible for its own decisions to market the gas exploited in the future, under the law and while protecting Romania’s energy security,” the ministry notes.
According to the quoted source, the export is part of the business plan of the Neptun Deep project and reflects Romania’s commitment to contributing to European energy security.
“Helping Europe get rid of Russian influence on energy resources is an objective that interests us, in the spirit of European solidarity and the single market. This step reconfirms Romania’s position as a regional pillar of the European Union’s energy security. Romania is already the largest producer of natural gas among the European Union member states, following the increase in Romgaz production in 2024 and the resumption of large-scale exploitation, including in the Caragele area. With current production of about 8-10 billion Nmc, Romania fully covers its consumption, without depending on imports. From 2027, Romania’s annual production will double, up to 18-20 billion Nmc,” the Energy Ministry’s press release states, according to Agerpres.
In addition, the institution specifies that the Neptun Deep area will produce a quantity of gas at least twice as large as Romania’s current domestic consumption, from the first year of operation.
“In this context, we can firmly say that there is no danger that Romanians will be left without natural gas, and our country is in a privileged position to ensure regional energy security, including that of the Republic of Moldova. Moreover, royalties and taxes on gas exported to Europeans are paid in Romania and become income for the Romanian state budget”, the cited source emphasizes.
In addition, the Ministry of Energy highlights the fact that, in accordance with the provisions of Law no. 256/2018 on some measures necessary for the implementation of oil operations, Article 21, paragraph 4 states: “The quantities of natural gas traded through bilateral contracts will be offered in a first phase, with priority, to the Romanian state through the National Administration of State Reserves and Special Issues (ANRSPS). This mechanism ensures Romania’s priority access to its own resources, in order to meet urgent national needs”.
“The Neptun Deep project marks a turning point for Romania’s energy future. Irresponsible narratives such as the sale of Romanian gas as the price of joining Schengen are dangerous and completely false, and basic logic shows us that we are talking about a tiny quantity, about the German market, a strategic partner for Romania, and about the valorization of a resource that means additional income for Romanians, without affecting the national energy market in any way. Romanians can rest assured: the Romanian state has all the levers to ensure that the gas from the Black Sea will reach Romania first and only the surplus will be sold. In fact, the Romanian state, through Romgaz, owns half of the deposit. I appeal to all political actors not to manipulate and not to misinform about strategic projects that can bring at least 20 billion euros to the Romanian state,” said, in the statement, the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja.