This would be the end result of a Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) "plan for the management of the capital asset in Geoplin" that the government confirmed on Wednesday.

The SSH and Petrol are currently the largest Geoplin shareholders. Geoplin, in turn, is the sole shareholder of Plinovodi.

If the multi-stage plan is realised, Plinovodi would be spun off from Geoplin and become majority state-owned.

In exchange, Petrol would gain control of Geoplin, with the state retaining only a controlling 25% stake.

Geoplin is currently designated in the state's asset management strategy as an important investment in which the state plans to retain controlling stakes.

If the Plinovodi spin-off plan is completed, Plinovodi will be designated as a strategic asset to be retained in majority state ownership.

If it is not realised, however, Geoplin will be designated as a strategic asset, according to government documents.