Outgoing PM Petkov: Energy Ministry to propose an agreement for 7 ships of LNG

The outgoing cabinet of PM Kiril Petkov met for its last regular sitting on July 28.

"We have very good results to boast about. Although we have a few days left until the last moment, we will solve the big tasks and challenges facing the country," Kiril Petkov addressed his colleagues.

Speaking to the media, he listed part of the cabinet's agenda:

The Ministry of Energy will propose signing an agreement for 7 cargo ships with liquefied natural gas (LNG), which will improve Bulgaria’s energy security. The condition for getting them is that the caretaker government will provide the necessary infrastructure next month.

"The agreement is an important step by the team, together with the EC, to secure natural gas for the winter months. The Cabinet thus solves an essential part of the task of ensuring energy security and makes it easier for the next government to complete what it has started by ensuring continuity," Petkov stressed

The government will adopt the new electricity price compensation programme for non-household consumers.

"Considered from 1 July until 30 September, end-users will be provided with the ceiling of 250 BGN. In this way, the government ensures predictability for businesses for the coming months," Petkov said.

BGN 150 million will be given for the measure of 0,25 BGN discount per litre of fuel. A joint group between the Customs Agency and the National Revenue Agency to restrict exports of Russian-origin petroleum products has started work as of 5 December.

"The implementation of the conditions under the EU derogations will enable a greater supply of fuels on the Bulgarian market and this will depress their price," the outgoing Prime Minister said.

The Council of Ministers will propose a decision to the Ministry of Regional Development to finance 302 projects for 196 municipalities with a population of 5.9 million. BGN 50 million is also allocated for the renovation of 175 kindergartens and schools - for roof repairs and energy-saving measures.

A report by the Environment Minister will be heard and it will become clear what sanctions will be imposed on the Brickel thermal power plant for air pollution in Galabovo.

The Minister of Justice will present a draft law on the protection of whistleblowers, who report acts of corruption and other violations.

"This bill is an important step on the road in our fight against corruption," said Kiril Petkov.

The agenda of the weekly meeting includes 37 items.

Other interesting ones include: adoption of an annual report on the state of national security in 2021; a report on approval of the terms of a draft contract for general civil liability insurance covering liability for nuclear damage at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant; and a draft decision on the temporary closure of Bulgaria's consulate in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg.