Bulgarian caretaker Minister of Energy Rossen Hristov said that the country is planning to launch an auction for the purchase of natural gas to be delivered via pipelines on 27 September. So far, Bulgaria has only staged tenders for the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Minister Hristov said that the auction will be aimed at gas traders which have excess gas volumes so that Bulgaria can make use of the pipelines through which it currently receives deliveries, notably from Greece and Turkey. He added that there are indications that additional quantities of gas can be provided and there is already early interest in the planned auction.
He said that, later this week, Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnection (so-called IGB pipeline) will receive final clearance and an operating license from Bulgaria’s energy regulator, ahead of its planned launch of its commercial operation on 1 October.
Minister Hristov stressed that there will be no gas shortages in Bulgaria this winter, but it is important not to pay too much for gas deliveries, hence these tenders which should ensure that competitive price of around 125 euros/MWh could be maintained.
Earlier this month, gas supplier Bulgargaz proposed the wholesale gas price for October just below the 125 euros/MWh threshold.
