The Bulgarian Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (KEVR) has approved a 3.69 % increase in the wholesale natural gas price for February 2026, raising it to approximately 32.3 euros/MWh, excluding VAT and excise duties. This comes after KEVR had previously approved a 3.3 % decrease in the wholesale price for January.
Despite the rise at the wholesale level, the increase for most household consumers is limited to around 2 %. KEVR explained that it intervened after identifying that certain gas volumes submitted by Bulgargaz risked blurring the line between regulated supply and market-based trading. For the first time, the regulator reduced the quantities proposed by the public supplier, removing last-minute volumes added through bilateral contracts that could have negatively impacted customers relying on regulated prices.
KEVR emphasized that this action falls squarely within its legal mandate to protect households and other regulated consumers. By prioritizing the regulated market, the regulator aims to ensure that price formation remains as affordable as possible for these users.
In addition to the price adjustment, KEVR announced plans to revise the secondary rules governing gas price regulation. The upcoming amendments are intended to better align the regulatory framework with the objectives of the Energy Act and to prevent similar situations in the future.
Even with the latest increase, KEVR highlighted that the approved gas price remains significantly below historical levels. The February 2026 price is nearly 25 % lower than in February 2025 and roughly 12 % below the February 2024 level.
