Skopje, 24 February 2026 (MIA) - A pipeline set to transport diesel fuel from the refinery in Thessaloniki to the “Okta” refinery in Skopje is being restarted after 13 years. The Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources said Tuesday all necessary checks of the functionality of the system have been completed, marking an important step toward strengthening the security of the supply of petroleum products.

The checks were carried out by the Bureau of Metrology with the participation of the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI) and the Thessaloniki-based Metron laboratory, in the presence of representatives of the Customs Administration.

“Together with the competent experts from the Bureau they assessed the accuracy and the metrological characteristics of the system, in order to confirm that the measuring equipment is operating correctly, securely, and in line with the highest standards,” the Ministry said.

Energy Minister Sanja Bozhinovska stressed that the accuracy of measurements is a key prerequisite for secure and transparent functioning of the energy infrastructure.

“This is a significant step toward establishing a secure and modern system for the supply of petroleum products. Precise measurements, controls, and international verification mean trust, stability, and long-term energy security for the country,” Bozhinovska stressed.

The pipeline, which was commissioned in 2002 for the transport of crude oil, became the subject of investments after 2013 aiming to convert it to infrastructure for the transport of diesel fuel.

The pipeline is 213.5 kilometers long, it includes 15 block valve stations for improved management and a high level of safety, storage capacities of 80.000 m³ in Greece and 30.000 m³ in North Macedonia, as well as a modern SCADA system that monitors pressure, temperature, and flow in real time, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources