On January 3, Bulgaria’s gas operator Bulgargaz is set to sign an agreement with Turkey’s state energy company Botash. The deal will grant Botash access to liquefied gas terminals and the Turkish gas transmission grid, according to a government press service report. The government indicating that the pact will enable Botash to connect with Bulgaria’s gas transmission system through a formal arrangement with Bulgargaz.
A government statement confirms that an agreement will be signed to provide Botash access to both the terminals and the gas transmission network. The contract duration is stated to be thirteen years, outlining a long‑term framework for cross-border gas traffic and system integration.
Bulgaria’s gas market has seen notable shifts in early January, with natural gas supplies and pricing updates affecting consumers. In the first days of the year, the market observed a price increase from 73 euros to 92 euros per megawatt hour, signaling a step in the energy price trajectory.
The Bulgarian Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEWR) previously approved Bulgargaz’s proposal in November to reduce fuel prices. The approved level brought the price down from 233.36 Bulgarian levs per MWh (about 116.5 euros) to 123.01 leva per MWh (approximately 61.5 euros). This price adjustment was part of a broader strategy to relieve households and businesses by diversifying gas supply sources.
The strategy includes bringing gas from multiple origins, with the introduction of lower‑cost gas flowing from Azerbaijan through the interconnection between Bulgaria and Greece, a pipeline that has expanded the country’s access to affordable supplies. This diversification aims to strengthen energy security and stabilize domestic prices while supporting ongoing regional energy cooperation.
Analysts note that the arrangement with Botash complements Bulgaria’s broader approach to securing reliable gas supply via interconnections and transit routes. The combination of new terminal access and a longer‑term contract with a Turkish partner could enhance Bulgaria’s role in regional gas flows and offer greater flexibility for managing price volatility in the European market.
Observers emphasize that the move aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify gas routes and suppliers, reduce exposure to single-source risk, and support price stability for consumers. The government and regulators continue to monitor market developments and the impact of cross‑border agreements on domestic pricing, supply resilience, and the transition toward a more integrated regional energy network.
In parallel, industry watchers highlight that the Turkish terminal access and the shared transmission framework may facilitate more efficient gas movements between the two countries and across the wider Balkan region. The collaboration underscores the importance of harmonized standards and transparent operational rules to ensure safe, reliable gas delivery while maintaining competitive pricing for end users.
Overall, the January activities reflect Bulgaria’s commitment to expanding its gas infrastructure, broadening supplier options, and pursuing stable pricing through diversified sources and cross‑border partnerships. The coming months are expected to bring further updates as regulatory bodies assess market responses and the operational performance of the newly connected routes and facilities.
Attribution: Information derived from official government statements and press services, with corroboration from industry observers and regional energy market analyses.