Gazprom has cut the gas supply to Bulgaria and Poland for over three months. Somehow, during the summer, Bulgaria manages to fulfil their gas need from alternative resources. But in June, it almost became impossible for the Bulgarian government to meet the requirement for the gas. The new caretaker government’s reconsidering negotiating with Gazprom.
The Bulgarian gas network operator began to raise the alarm about the gas shortage. The head of the national regulator to quickly secure a long-term contract to ensure that Bulgaria doesn’t run out of gas in the winters.
The Russian ambassador from Sofia has stated on behalf of Russia. He said Russia is ready to resume selling gas to Bulgaria under the long-term contract, which will expire in autumn.
Russia broke their contract with Bulgaria at the end of April. On the other hand, Bulgaria paid and fulfilled everything according to the agreement. On this basis, Bulgaria can go to arbitrage and file a court case against Russia.
If somehow Bulgaria finds a way to break the condition on its own, it will terminate the case, which could reduce the EU’s ability to act. There is concern that the current political setting may facilitate the delivery of Russian LNG through shell companies controlled by Russia, resulting in higher prices for Bulgarian consumers.
If Russia succeeds in resuming its gas supply to Bulgaria, it will prevent Bulgaria from finding another source for gas imports. The axis of cooperation formed by the Bulgarian government’s decision could rush in two different directions. It could also shift the balance in the Balkans.
Bulgaria needs a better solution than re-alignment with Russia, which includes the European Commission should keep its eyes on joint purchase talks for full transparency. Every deal should come in line based with EU laws.
Bulgaria should avoid any section which disturbs the quantity of gas.
Bulgaria must plan both short and long-term based on industry. The EU’s scheduled gas demand reduction plan requires listing the crucial sectors that cannot operate in stop-and-go mode.
Since Russia blocked the gas supply, Bulgaria has relied on the connector Sidirokastro-Kulata as its sole gas supply route.