"Bulgargaz" is preparing its response to the EC in connection with gas supplies to our country

"Bulgargaz" confirms that questions have been received from the General Directorate "Competition" to the EC, according to a company announcement.

"In connection with media publications, Bulgargaz informs that the company has received questions from the General Directorate "Competition" of the European Commission regarding the supply of natural gas to Bulgaria.

The period investigated covers the last few years and the information requested is focused on supplier and partner relationships and supply details.

Bulgargaz is preparing and will provide the information within the deadline agreed with the EC. The company maintains regular contact with the Commission and periodically provides assistance on various issues within its competence".

The information from Bulgargaz came after it became clear last night that the European Commission is investigating the deal that allows the company to access gas supplies through Turkey. Possible breaches of European Union competition rules are being investigated, according to a letter cited by the Independent commodity intelligence service (ICIS).

In the letter sent earlier this month, the EU's Competition Directorate-General asked Bulgargaz to send a comprehensive list of documents, including information related to supply agreements with Turkish operator Botash and capacity reservations of Turkish- the Bulgarian border.

In addition, the directorate asked Bulgargaz to send information about contracts that have been concluded or are in the process of being negotiated, under which the Bulgarian gas operator can act as an exclusive representative or distributor for the supply of gas in Bulgaria or elsewhere in the EU.

The investigation comes amid concerns that Bulgargaz may be the only company in the EU that has access to natural gas through Turkish infrastructure and is potentially acting as an intermediary for gas secured in Turkey and delivered to the region.

When the deal was first announced in January, the European Federation of Energy Traders raised concerns about possible distortions of competition.

Bulgaria's government, formed after parliamentary elections in April, also commissioned an investigation into the supply deal as part of a wider review of the previous administration's performance on the grounds that it lacked transparency and would cost the country billions.

We remind you that the agreement, valid for 13 years, allows "Bulgargaz" and "Botash" to share the daily capacity of the Strandja-Malko Tarnovo border crossing. Previously, the interconnection was used to supply Russian gas to Turkey via the Trans-Balkan Gas Pipeline through Bulgaria.

Under the agreement, Bulgargaz can import liquefied natural gas into Turkey and withdraw a similar amount of regasified gas from the border point. Botash can instruct Bulgargaz to deliver the LNG to Turkish terminals or elsewhere in Europe.

In addition, "Botash" can ask "Bulgargaz" to reserve capacity through the Bulgarian gas transmission system for its own export needs, either to Bulgaria, or to supply quantities to neighboring countries such as Romania, Serbia or Greece.