Energy Minister: Bulgaria is ready to start negotiations with Gazprom next week at the earliest

Bulgaria is ready to start specific negotiations with Gazprom next week, once it becomes clear what quantities of blue fuel are available by the end of the year, said caretaker energy minister, Rosen Hristov, who visited Maritsa-East Mines on August 15. According to Hristov, the ministry is looking for an option to accept the seven LNG tankers agreed by the previous government, but does not yet know through what route to ship the fuel from them. Introduction of compensation for the high price of gas for businesses and households is also being considered.

The Ministry of Energy has asked for an extension from the US company supplying the liquefied gas so that it can find a terminal to unload the seven tankers contracted by the government of Kiril Petkov.

"We are working on the assumption that the answer will be negative, that is, we are working on a worst-case scenario. Cheniere are a flexible and cooperative company, that is, they do everything possible for things to happen, we do the same, it is now a question of technical possibilities," the minister said.

The deadline by which we have to respond to the bid for the tankers is August 19 if we do not get an extension. The minister assured that Bulgaria is ready to act in such a situation. On Wednesday, he expects a detailed estimate from the builder of the gas link with Greece.

"For me this is not a finished project, what they are saying is they are looking at from a construction point of view, the main things have been completed, they probably are, but we are interested in this thing functioning to all standards," he said.

The minister said talks with Gazprom could begin next week if Bulgaria cannot secure full fuel supplies from other sources by the end of the year.

"I don't want to enter into negotiations, with anyone, without knowing exactly what I want, whether I need something or not.

“ Next week at the earliest talks will be held if necessary. At the moment we are waiting to see what happens with the other options, to do an analysis of the required quantities of gas needed by the industry, also a price analysis at what price levels the industry can operate. We need gas that people can afford to buy and work."

Because of the high price of natural gas, support for businesses and households is likely to be introduced, the chairman of the board of directors of public supplier “Bulgargz” told BNT.

"The subsidy and the so-called compensation is one mechanism that is on the agenda, it was applied for domestic consumers last winter, it is very likely that this winter it will be extended for domestic and will be applied for business consumers," said Ivan Topchinski.

Topchinski also assured that with the loan of BGN 800 million granted by the state, the company will be able to pay its suppliers at least until the end of the year.