site.btaGazprom Has Officially  Requested Rouble Payments for Natural Gas, Energy Minister Nikolov Says

In a televised interview on Sunday, Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov said that on April 1 Gazprom officially requested that Bulgaria pay for Russian natural gas supplies in roubles. The EU's position is that such a thing cannot happen and the Union will not give in to blackmail; the contracts between the partners determine the manner of payment, which does not include rouble payments, Nikolov told Bulgarian National Television.

He noted he cannot yet say what will happen and how after mid-April. "We are yet to see whether there will be a mechanism for euro payments followed by currency exchange, which would artificially push the price up," he commented.

The Energy Minister recalled that Bulgaria is observing its contract with Gazprom Export, which is in effect until the end of 2022. In case the gas supply from Russia is stopped, additional negotiations are already being conducted with neighbouring countries and with Azerbaijan on liquefied natural gas supplies. As of July 1, the gas quantities supplied by Azerbaijan will increase quite a bit, meaning that Bulgaria has alternatives and will surely manage, Nikolov said.

In the coming weeks, an investment agreement will be signed with Israel Electric Corporation, the Minister said, describing the company as the biggest one operating with energy assets in Israel. In his words, talks will be held with investors who have not considered Bulgaria for over ten years.