Energy Minister: Bulgaria's Gas Supply Is Russia's Hostage

Bulgaria’s Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov, is convinced Russia cannot be avoided as a strategic energy partner of Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria’s Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov, says the Bulgarian energy marker is entirely depending on Russia as far as natural gas deliveries are concerned.

Traikov, who spoke in the aftermath of the tough Russian-Bulgarian energy talks Friday and Saturday in the Black Sea capital Varna, told the largest private TV bTV that Russia cannot be avoided as a strategic energy partner of Bulgaria.

The Minister explained Moscow is leading a “normal dialogue” ever since the cabinet of the center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party and Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, assumed the rule of the country.

“At times, during the negotiations, the Russian representatives stressed Russia is not an enemy of Bulgaria,” Traikov said, adding natural gas is expensive for Bulgaria because, unlike other countries, we do not have any own resources to rely on.

The Minister informed new, long-term contracts will be signed – Bulgaria is to receive by August 10 a project contract, taking into account the country’s proposals, and reiterated that after that Bulgargaz will sign the contracts directly with the Russian Gazprom i.e. intermediaries will be, finally, eliminated.

Traikov also stressed that due to changes in the contract from 2006, made during the term of the cabinet of the Socialist-led Three Way Coalition, Bulgaria receives four times less transit gas.

Bulgaria may lower the gas price as much as we want, should we decide to not consider the effect of such move on Bulgargaz, the Minister pointed out.

On Saturday Bulgaria and Russia signed the so-called road map for the Russian South Stream gas line project and an agreement lowering the gas supply prices for Bulgaria and eliminating intermediaries in contract negotiations.

 

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