The construction of a parallel main gas pipeline from the Romanian border to Turkey and Greece was launched a few days ago, at a point, situated at some 2.5 km from Kardam. The pipeline will go parallel to the existing one, thus doubling the capacity of the route. According to the Bulgargas project the costs are estimated at above USD 100 million. The first 47-km stage of the construction should be completed for 10 months. The construction will boost the cargo turnover of the Varna port. The whole pipeline must be completed by the end of 2001