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Alexander Nikolov
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Minister denies Boyko Borissov and Delyan Dobrev for selling gas at half price. It was a purchase, and 48% cheaper
Gas will rise by only 3.5% in March, it became clear on Friday at a meeting of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission. The reason for the small increase is that the commission will decide on the basis of stock prices until February 28. The record price rises in the first days of March, after the war broke out in Ukraine, will be calculated for April. Then, however, consumption usually falls and the significant jump in prices would not be so severe.
In the Dutch stock exchange TTF in recent days, the price is breaking new records – at certain times and over 190 euros. On Friday, the unprecedented 201 euros arrived.
EWRC Chief Stanislav Todorov asked Bulgargaz in each price application to provide an analysis of possible alternative sources, prices and evidence that the company was looking for the cheapest gas for consumers. According to him, there are opportunities for the company to conclude short-term, medium-term and long-term contracts to achieve the most favorable price. The regulator would approve any contract or change in the contract of Bulgargaz, because they affected the price of gas for consumers.
The Minister of Energy Alexander Nikolov was categorical on Friday that there is no problem with the quantities of fuels in Bulgaria and there is no reduction in the pressure on the routes related to Gazprom.
All deliveries are performed in full, payments to the Russian company for March were made successfully. Nikolov added that since mid-February, production from Chiren has been limited to a minimum, where possible, in order to guarantee deliveries for March and April.
In case of suspension of the quantities from Gazprom, the stocks in Chiren would be enough at least for the obligatory deliveries. Negotiations are also being held with liquefied gas traders, but prices have not been attractive. Negotiations are also underway with the Azerbaijani consortium for additional quantities.
Nikolov also refuted the claims of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and GERB MP Delyan Dobrev that on the night after the war broke out in Ukraine, Bulgargaz sold quantities at half price.
According to the Minister, there was no such deal, but in fact Bulgartransgaz bought gas for technical needs, at a price 48% lower than the market price.
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