EC has sent questions to Bulgargaz about the deal with the Turkish gas company Botas

The European Commission has sent questions to Bulgaria’s public supplier of natural gas, “Bulgargaz”, in connection with the gas deal with the Turkish company Botas. This was stated by the Ministry of Energy on October 20.

"Bulgargaz" itself did not confirm that the requested information is about this agreement. The answer is after BNT inquiry asking what information they have in connection with publications that appeared in the media that the EC has launched an investigation into the deal concluded by the caretaker government in January.

"In relation to media publications, "Bulgargaz" has informed that the company has received questions from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition regarding the supply of natural gas to Bulgaria. The period under investigation covers the last few years and the information requested is focused on relations with suppliers and partners and details of supplies," "Bulgargaz" wrote.

Currently Bulgaria has no contract with "Botas".

The ministry clarified that no contract has been signed with the Turkish state-owned company Botas so far, only an agreement on a future contract. According to the agreement, Bulgaria will have access to five of the Turkish liquefied natural gas terminals for 13 years and will be able to transport 1.5 billion cubic metre of blue fuel through the Turkish gas network. So far, quantities have been transported via this route despite the lack of a contract, the energy ministry said.

What are the results of the ministry's inspection?

In mid-June, it became clear that the Ministry of Energy has launched a full inspection of the entire process under which the agreement between "Bulgargaz" and Botas for the purchase and sale of natural gas was concluded. On 23 June, Minister of energy, Rumen Radev, was heard in the National Assembly, where he explained that Bulgaria was not harmed and can try to amend the agreement for regasification and supply of liquefied gas.

The Ministry's inspection was only on documents and so far it is not known to have found any violations. No such alert has been submitted to the Public Prosecutor's Office, only a report that has been submitted to the National Assembly.

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