Croatia strengthens role as key energy hub in Europe

Omisalj, Krk (Photo: Wakowlk/CC BY-SA 3.0)

OMIŠALJ, 28 March 2026 – Croatia is strengthening its position as a major energy hub in this part of Europe, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said during a visit to the LNG and JANAF terminals in Omišalj on the island of Krk.

The terminals are considered key pieces of Croatia’s critical energy infrastructure and play an increasingly important role in regional energy security, particularly amid global energy challenges.

During the visit, the Prime Minister was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, and Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy Alen Ružić.

LNG terminal expansion doubles gas capacity

Plenković highlighted that the LNG terminal has recently undergone a €51 million upgrade which added an additional regasification module.

The investment has increased the terminal’s capacity from 3.1 billion cubic metres to 6.1 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year, significantly boosting Croatia’s energy role in the region.

“Croatia has become extremely relevant in this part of Europe when it comes to gas supply,” Plenković said.

Since operations began in 2021, 140 LNG carriers have arrived in Omišalj, with 67% of shipments coming from the United States.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Croatia’s gas supply is secure and diversified.

“Croatia’s gas supply is not in question in any way, as deliveries come from various countries,” he said, adding that dependence on supplies from the Gulf region is minimal.

JANAF pipeline vital for regional oil supply

Plenković also stressed the importance of the JANAF oil pipeline, which continues to operate efficiently and plays a crucial role in supplying oil across Central and Southeast Europe.

The pipeline has the capacity to supply crude oil not only to Croatia’s refinery in Rijeka, but also to refineries in Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia.

Together, the LNG and JANAF facilities strengthen Croatia’s strategic role as an energy transit and supply centre for the wider region.