Bulgaria has increased its regulated wholesale natural gas price by 5.5% for September, although domestic gas remains substantially cheaper than benchmark European hub levels.
The regulator approved a September wholesale price of €41.60/MWh, excluding VAT and excise duty.
The increase follows a 4.5% rise in August, reflecting stronger international gas prices.
Even after the latest adjustment, the Bulgarian regulated price remains almost €25/MWh below major European hub quotations, giving domestic consumers substantial protection from the latest rise in TTF and regional gas markets.
The discount reflects Bulgaria’s diversified supply portfolio.
Public supplier Bulgargaz continues to receive lower-priced pipeline gas under Bulgaria’s long-term supply agreement with Azerbaijan, supplemented by LNG bought through competitive tenders.
That supply combination has limited the pass-through from sharply higher European wholesale prices.
The differential could become increasingly important for Bulgarian industrial consumers and gas-fired generators if TTF remains around €70/MWh.
It also leaves Bulgaria in a relatively stronger fuel-cost position than neighbouring markets more directly exposed to hub-indexed imports.
