Bulgarian Parliament Amends Tax on Russian Gas Transit
The Bulgarian National Assembly approved a change that exempts Bulgartransgaz, the national gas operator, from collecting excise taxes on the transit of Russian gas. This development was reported by Diary, a publication following Bulgarian energy policy.
Opposition parties in Bulgaria criticized the plan to introduce a consumption tax of 20 leva (about 10 euros) for each megawatt-hour of Russian gas transit. They argued that the legislation would create a heavy burden on Bulgartransgaz, potentially pushing its debts past 200 million leva (roughly 100 million euros).
Once the amendments are fully enacted, the collected revenue would be handled by the National Revenue Agency through the customs section, according to the publication.
Previously, Bulgaria had imposed a tax on the transit of Russian gas through its territory with the aim of reducing the competitiveness of pipeline gas from the Russian Federation relative to more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Since October 13, Bulgaria has levied an excise duty of 10 euros per hour on the transit of Russian gas. Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov stated that the measure could boost competition in the gas market. However, concerns were raised by the foreign ministers of Hungary and Serbia, who warned that Sofia’s decision might threaten their countries’ energy security.
Earlier, the European Commission announced intentions to wind down Russian gas supplies by the end of the decade, signaling a broader shift in regional energy strategy.