site.btaRegulator Sets Natural Gas Price for April at 143 lv/MWh, Up by 25% M/M

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) approved Friday the price of natural gas for April at 142.59 leva/MWh (exclusive of access, transmission, excise, and VAT charges), or 25.3 per cent higher compared to the previous month. The new price is lower than the 179.36 leva/MWh initially suggested by Bulgargaz.

The higher natural gas price is caused by the risk of Russia discontinuing their supplies, the EWRC said. The previous month saw significant price spikes on the European gas exchanges, with a 15 per cent increase on a single day, March 30, when the energy regulator held an open session.

With the end of the heating season, the higher price will have a minute effect on households. The Commission will amend the ordinance on natural gas prices regulation to allow the gas supplier to submit their request 7 to 10 days before the price is due to be approved - rather than in the beginning of the month.