In Bulgaria, Bulgargaz has proposed another price increase for natural gas, moving the rate up by 6 percent to 315.61 leva per megawatt hour, which is roughly 157.8 euros. This information comes from a report by TASS. The stated price does not include any additional charges that might apply in practice.
Earlier, the Bulgarian Energy and Water Regulatory Commission had accepted Bulgargaz’s request for a substantial rise, approving a 60.01 percent jump effective from August 1. That adjustment pushed the average price to 297.89 leva per megawatt hour, about 149 euros, marking a new record for the country in terms of regulated gas costs.
Late April saw Gazprom halt shipments to Bulgargaz after a payment dispute linked to currency arrangements. Specifically, the Bulgarian firm did not agree to switch payments to rubles for energy supply, which led to the suspension of deliveries for a period of time.
At the start of August, Bulgaria’s Energy Minister Rosen Hristov commented on the potential for gas flows to resume if the country can secure sufficient fuel from alternative suppliers. His remarks reflected ongoing concerns about energy security and the diversification of supply sources in the region.
Public figures from Moscow have weighed in on the question of resuming natural gas deliveries to Bulgaria. Alexei Pushkov, who chairs the Federation Council Commission on Information Policy and Interaction with the Media, stated that there is no justification for restarting Russian gas supplies to Bulgaria while the country maintains a stance hostile to Russia. The exchange highlights the broader geopolitical tensions shaping energy trade in Southeast Europe.
For consumers and businesses in Canada and the United States watching developments in Bulgaria, the situation illustrates how pricing rules, payment currencies, and supplier diversification can directly influence energy costs. Market observers note that regulatory bodies in Europe frequently set substantial price adjustments in response to shifts in supply reliability, geopolitical risks, and the need to maintain procurement flexibility. The Bulgarian case underscores the impact of regulatory decisions on retail prices and the importance of having a broad mix of import options to reduce exposure to a single supplier.
Source: TASS, energy ministries and parliamentary statements in the region. News coverage emphasizes that price movements can reflect both regulatory actions and market realities, creating a dynamic landscape for gas pricing and energy security in Southeast Europe.