site.btaEnergy Minister: Commercial Quantities of Natgas to Flow on Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector on October 1

Commercial quantities of natural gas will start flowing on the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector on October 1, Energy Minister Rossen Hristov told the press during a visit to the northern village of Vetovo Wednesday. He said that the pipe is being tested and everything goes as planned.

A lost of tests are being carried out: on the interconnector itself and the control system. "The interconnector will make sure Bulgaria receives the full quantity of gas from Azerbaijan as contracted - 1 billion cu m per year - and evenly during the 12 months," the Minister said. He underscored the role of the project for lowering the price of gas for Bulgaria.

He also stressed the role of the interconnector in securing gas supplies to the neighbouring countries as well.

Asked to comment the idea for a EU-wide cap on the price of Russian gas, he said that no final decision has been made as yet. "We expect to see a proposal with figures and everything," Hristov said.

He also said that electricity rationing should not be expected in Bulgaria. "The energy system has been tested and is in good shape. All repairs have been done to ensure he smooth operation of the power production facilities."