Bulgaria has approved a 5.99% increase in its regulated wholesale gas price for October, taking it to €44.10/MWh before taxes and network charges.
The increase follows a 5.5% rise in September, adding to fuel-cost pressure ahead of the heating season.
Energy regulator KEVR retained the original proposed price, rejecting a subsequent request by Bulgargaz to raise it to €44.41/MWh.
October supplies will combine gas purchased under Bulgaria’s long-term Azerbaijani contract with LNG procured through tenders. A relatively small contribution is expected from the Chiren underground storage facility.
The approved tariff applies to Bulgargaz supplies to regulated customers, including heat producers. VAT, excise duty and network access and transmission charges are excluded.
Natural gas accounts for more than 70% of residential heating prices, making further wholesale increases a significant exposure for heating suppliers and consumers as winter approaches.
