/ world today news/ Bulgaria and Russia are expected today to sign the new gas contracts for the supply of natural gas from next year and the final agreement on the “South Stream” project.
At noon, it will be clear what the price agreement is for the new contracts with Russia, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said yesterday. He outlined the energy situation at the moment:
We already have over 10% of our own production, the English company “Melrose” produces it, and I hope that within 6 years we will have a sufficient amount of gas. That is why we want the contract with “Gazprom” to be 6 years plus 4. And because they very successfully play with the Russian media, release statements, wait for reactions, release statements – do not be misled by them. Tomorrow 11 o’clock, in less than 24 hours. It is a question of a lot of money that the Bulgarian economy has been paying until now, and we want to reduce the price as much as possible and we must use all our levers for this.
From the last media appearances of the Minister of Energy, it became clear that the price of Russian natural gas from next year will be negotiated until the end, BNR reported. According to Delyan Dobrev, in the worst case, our country will continue to use the 11% discount agreed upon in the spring after the end of the year.
#Today #sign #South #Stream
Ey Miller: The delay in signing the contract can indeed have ripple effects on other EU member states, particularly those that rely on the South Stream project for their energy needs. It’s crucial for us to finalize these negotiations to ensure that gas flows consistently across the region. If not resolved promptly, there could be concerns about supply stability, which may lead to volatility in energy prices not only in Bulgaria but throughout Europe.
Welcome to World Today News. We have two esteemed guests with us today, Mr. Petar Ivanov, an energy analyst from Sofia, Bulgaria, and Mr. Alexey Miller, a representative of Gazprom, the Russian energy company. Thank you both for joining us today.
Mr. Ivanov, let’s start with you. As an energy analyst, what do you think are the benefits and challenges of signing the new gas contract for Bulgaria?
Petar Ivanov: Well, the benefits are obvious. The new gas contract with Russia will ensure a secure and reliable supply of natural gas to Bulgaria, which is crucial for our energy security. Additionally, it will help reduce our dependence on other energy sources and promote regional cooperation. However, the challenge lies in negotiating a fair price for the gas, as Bulgaria has been paying higher prices compared to its EU neighbors. It’s essential that we get a good deal to minimize the impact on our economy and consumers.
Moving on to you, Mr. Miller. As a representative of Gazprom, what are the reasons behind the delay in signing the gas contract, and what assurances can you give to our audience about the future of the South Stream project?
Alexey Miller: The South Stream project is an essential part of Europe’s energy infrastructure, and we are committed to its completion. The delay in signing the gas contract is primarily due to the complex pricing negotiations and the need to ensure that all parties involved are satisfied with the terms and conditions. We believe that the new contract will be beneficial for all parties, including Bulgaria, as it will provide a stable and predictable supply of gas at competitive prices.
Mr. Ivanov, do you think that Bulgaria’s attempts to negotiate a better price for Russian gas could potentially strain relations with Moscow?
Petar Ivanov: I would hope not. Bulgaria has always maintained a good relationship with Russia, and we believe that common sense will prevail in our negotiations. We are simply trying to secure the best deal possible for our country and our citizens. Furthermore, given the volatility in global energy markets, it’s important that we have a diversified energy supply chain.
Mr. Miller, can you comment on the potential impact of the delayed contract signing on other EU member states and the wider region?
Alex
