Interim Energy Minister Rosen Hristov answers Maria Tsantsarova’s questions about electricity, fuel and natural gas prices and why is the sixth unit of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant currently out of service?
Last night the sixth electrical unit of the Kozloduy plant was disconnected from the country’s electricity grid.
“After starting, we found a leak in the generator cooling system. Tests are currently underway to determine the cause of the leak. The non-nuclear part of the block is becoming a technical problem,” clarified the minister, adding that the ballast is in normal mode.
“I hope the problem is not more serious,” he added.
“We overturned the decision that we should not depend on Russian fuel for the Kozloduy nuclear power plant because it interfered with one of the possible new suppliers, Framatom.” It is a French company that has bought a Russian license, but all production is in Europe. The decision limited competition. Two companies have expressed interest in participating in the auction: “Framatom” and “Westinghouse”, stressed the minister.
Could we have a problem with Russian nuclear fuel?
According to him, the French company does not depend on Russia because it has already bought all the technologies.
The fuels
The official cabinet is preparing to cancel the ban on the export of fuels from the Burgas refinery.
“What happens if we ban the export of fuels from Lukoil?” Everything remains in Bulgaria: we cannot consume it. Everything is filled in storage. They will have nowhere to put it and stop producing. We have limited unregulated output. This was discussed with Hristo Alexiev. “Lukoil” produces fuels which are not used in Bulgaria and the EU. They are sold in third countries. If they don’t move, he’ll stay here. If the warehouses fill up, they will reduce production. It is extremely important for the Bulgarian consumer that Lukoil works, because that way the prices will be reduced. “
Are fuel prices expected to rise by the end of the year?
From 1 November the price of methane is expected to drop by around BGN = According to him, the company’s profit does not remain in Bulgaria at the moment.
“We now enjoy the lowest prices in Europe. If their production is reduced, prices rise, people are fired or eventually shut down. We have a responsibility to our neighbors. We cannot exclude ourselves from the common market.”
The minister added that the exception to the use of Russian oil does not affect the sale of fuels. “We have an obligation to maintain energy security in the region,” stressed Rosen Hristov.
Natural gas prices
Gazprom has not yet responded. The very fact that we have entered into negotiations with them has forced other suppliers to compete. We had no gas for the next month. We have seen a shortage of gas and brutally high prices that the economy has refused to pay. “
According to the minister, the decline in blue fuel prices is not only linked to stock prices.
“Our price is currently below the August exchange price. The price we announced is 130 BGN per megawatt hour. We buy at almost half the market price. The August deals have been concluded with” MET “companies and intermediaries. .
Rosen Hristov is adamant that the damage was done under regular government due to direct negotiation. He added that all the documentation was handed over to the prosecutor.
“The company’s discount for Shinier liquefied gas tankers under the competitive procedure is double that of direct negotiation. The damage is hundreds of millions. We have documents that prove direct bargaining, uncompetitive procedures. The law requires that all supplies for a period of less than 12 months are made through an authorized exchange. 99% of the quantities before us were purchased in violation of the law “, stated the official minister categorically.
Electricity prices
“Electricity prices depend on the EU stock markets. We are a single market. We have withdrawn the two electricity tariffs because there is great political tension and the issue is becoming politicized. There was no desire to discuss things professionally. “.
Why was this decision made?
“At the moment, the EU is discussing a gas cap, an electricity cap, a gas cap for electricity generation. This is not a stand-alone problem. It is important what the whole package of measures is to know how we will vote “.
