A proposed increase in natural gas prices is set to be reviewed by Bulgaria’s Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR), with a public hearing scheduled at its headquarters. The state-owned supplier Bulgargaz has requested approval to adjust its April pricing, prompting regulatory scrutiny in the coming weeks.
The company is seeking to raise the gas price to €34.27/MWh for April, excluding additional costs such as transmission, access, excise duties, and VAT. This represents an increase from the March level of €32.6/MWh, marking a rise of 5.12%. The regulator will base its decision on an assessment of Bulgargaz’s application and its impact on end suppliers and licensed heat producers.
Despite upward pressure in European gas markets, domestic consumers are not expected to feel the effects immediately. Officials noted that the current pricing structure and contractual arrangements will likely delay any noticeable changes until mid-year. In particular, the long-term supply agreement with Azerbaijan, which is due for revision in July, continues to play a key stabilizing role in Bulgaria’s pricing.
Executives from Bulgargaz stated that the company has already secured sufficient volumes under existing contracts and remains prepared to procure additional supplies if demand increases. According to management, consumption has not yet shown a significant rise, but contingency plans are in place to respond if needed.
Regulatory authorities emphasized that Bulgaria’s gas prices remain relatively low compared to major European benchmarks. This difference is largely attributed to the Azerbaijani supply agreement, which has helped shield the domestic market from sharper price increases observed elsewhere in Europe.
However, uncertainty persists for the summer period, when potential adjustments to supply contracts could affect both heating and electricity costs. Officials also cautioned that fluctuations in oil prices and broader market trends typically influence energy prices with a delay, meaning that the current stability may not be sustained in the long term.
