Alexander Nikolov: Nothing has been done for the supply of Azerbaijani gas on alternative routes, and there are opportunities

Alternative routes for gas supply in Bulgaria through Greece and Turkey are a technically possible option and it is not clear why in the current crisis situation Bulgargaz has not studied these options, which are beneficial for consumers in our country. This was stated to bTV by the Minister of Energy Alexander Nikolov.

According to him, an investigation has already started, but the department has its own conclusion on the reasons "in a soft version - human."

The company in charge of the transfer, the state-owned Bulgartransgaz, says there is a possibility not for one route, but for two alternative access routes. And then the executive director of the company, which takes care only of the commercial activity - Bulgargaz - comes out and talks about transport, Nikolov said.

According to him, it is inadmissible to talk about the delay of the interconnector with Greece as the only reason for the lack of Azerbaijani gas, when there is an opportunity to realize financial benefits for the state and society with 4-5 alternatives through the access point for blue fuel, but nothing has been done about these options.

"If done, there will be an extremely positive effect for consumers - at least a few percent decrease. If the mix that Bulgargaz presents to the EWRC is changed, the reduction could exceed 10%," Nikolov stressed.

Against this background, he repeated yesterday's statement from the plenary hall that the current situation leads to losses of up to BGN 1.5 million per day.

On the topic of exporting gas from Chiren, Nikolov commented for Bulgargaz that "when looking at a state-owned company, it should be managed in such a way as to bring maximum benefit. Attempts to manage in such a way that it is convenient for themselves or in a way that is not in the public interest are strange. "

We remind you that a day ago the Minister of Energy explained that he was starting an investigation into how Bulgargaz exported natural gas from the gas storage in Chiren to Romania.

"There is no dispute that there are such exports. There are two exchanges where transactions take place, in which Bulgargaz also participates in various programs. Therefore, how effective they are, who the contractors are, inspections are pending." According to the Minister of Energy, it was not obligatory for these quantities of natural gas to enter the Bulgarian market. However, the input data provided by Bulgargaz to the EWRC should be reviewed in detail, because the Commission is extremely limited in terms of regulating the price of natural gas.

There is currently enough natural gas in the Chiren gas storage facility, so no crisis is expected, the energy minister added. Even in the event of an escalation of the situation in Ukraine, the quantities available at the Chiren gas storage facility will be sufficient. However, the problem will be price, if that happens. "Bulgaria will rather be able to supply quantities for consumption, but the question of escalating tensions is what the price would be and how much it will be bearable for society," Nikolov added.