site.btaDeputy PM Ninova, EU Commissioner Breton Discuss Gas Supplies

Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Industry Minister Korneliya Ninova talked over the phone with European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton at his request, the Economy Ministry reported Saturday. Ninova acquainted him with the difficulties nearly 30,000 Bulgarian companies are facing following the discontinuation of Russian gas supplies to Bulgaria as of April 27.  

Ninova expressed concern over Bulgarian jobs, inflation, incomes, and poverty. 

She and Breton discussed the option for EU Member States to unite and purchase gas quantities together so as to achieve a lower price as well as tax relief through lower VAT and excise duty. Ninova presented the Bulgarian industry's proposal for a ceiling on the gas price and coverage of the difference by the State. The European Commissioner said that Bulgaria is not alone and possible alternative will be sought jointly. An action strategy will be discussed in Brussels on May 18, he also said.