site.btaEnergy Minister Alexander Nikolov: Heating Bills for April Will Not Be Higher Than Those for March

The total amount of citizens' heating bills for April will not be higher than the bills from the previous month, as there were fewer heating days, said Minister of Energy Alexander Nikolov on Nova TV, commenting on the increase of 25 per cent in the price of natural gas as of April.

We are actively working with all district heating companies so that as soon as the temperatures allow it, the heat supply will be limited and the bills for the citizens will not be burdened, Nikolov assured.

The price of electricity for households has not changed, he said and pointed out that so far there is no market dynamics that requires an increase in the price of electricity, especially for households.

Regarding the request from Gazprom Export for Bulgaria to pay for the supplied gas in rubles, Minister Nikolov clarified that there is a described mechanism to address the issue. According to the Minister, whether this will happen or not is subject to several decisions, one of which is a function of the European Commission. A specific mechanism of the Council of Ministers should also be discussed, he said, adding that the effect on our country should be taken into account if such a mechanism is adopted or rejected. Bulgaria could end up in a tough non-competitive environment if other legal or corporate entities or other countries that have a contract with Gazprom Export decide to implement this mechanism and continue to receive natural gas or receive it at a better price, the Minister added.

Nikolov assured that all possible options are being considered at the level of energy ministers with Bulgaria's neighbouring countries, so that they can come up with a common decision on whether and how this mechanism will be implemented.