Fault in Baltic connector natural gas pipeline – Finnish gas network stable and gas available from LNG terminal

A fault has been detected in the Baltic connector natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia, the cause of which is currently being investigated. However, the gas distribution situation in Finland is stable and natural gas is available from the Ingå LNG terminal. As the authority responsible for the security of natural gas supply, the NESA is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to take action if necessary.

In the early hours of 8 October, the Finnish gas network operator Gasgrid Finland and the Estonian gas network operator Elering detected an unusual drop in pressure in the Baltic connector gas pipeline between the two countries. According to Gasgrid, there was reason to suspect a leak in the pipe. The valves of the pipeline have now been closed at both ends and the leak has been stopped. The cause of the problem and remedies are being investigated.

The Baltic connector natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia was opened in December 2019. In addition to Balticconnector, natural gas can be supplied to the Finnish gas network from liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Ingå and Hamina. The state of the Finnish gas system is currently stable. The stock of LNG at the Ingå terminal is currently good, and additional deliveries are on the way.

The National Emergency Supply Agency is closely monitoring the situation of the gas market with Gasgrid, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and other authorities and is ready to take action if necessary. The NESA is prepared to ensure gas supply to protected customers, namely households, healthcare and social welfare service providers, and small and medium-sized food businesses, among others, in different situations. Given the circumstances, companies selling and purchasing gas are advised to take enhanced measures to prepare for the higher demand in the winter season and to ensure security of gas supply.