Nikolay Pavlov: High electricity prices in Bulgaria are not related to gas prices

"High electricity prices in Bulgaria cannot be linked to gas prices in Bulgaria, because only 6 to 8% of electricity is produced from natural gas." This was said by the executive director of Bulgargaz Nikolay Pavlov to BNR.

BGN 131 million are the overdue debts of Sofia District Heating to Bulgargaz, explaining that the company creates problems with non-payment.

"They are the biggest consumer of natural gas and if they don't pay, they would create a huge problem not only for Bulgargaz, but also for BEH."

The executive director of the gas company also commented on the situation in Europe.

"There is a huge shortage of natural gas in Europe. It has been hit by an unprecedented energy crisis. This is a state of emergency that affects all countries in Europe. All this has led to very high gas prices, and they have affected high electricity prices. Bulgaria is part of the EU and the common market ".

According to him, the way out of the crisis is to offer more gas to Europe from the main suppliers.

Pavlov once again stated that Bulgargaz sells at a significantly lower price than the European markets:

"A difference of 30-35% is significant and it gives a breath of fresh air to industrial consumers."

He stressed that Bulgargaz's suppliers from Russia and Azerbaijan are fulfilling their contracts.

He was also adamant that he had not witnessed "dark" energy decisions.

"I hope there will be a drop in natural gas prices by the end of November," he said.

For the next month, the state-owned company wants a rise in the price of natural gas by nearly 32%, and whether it will change will become clear on November 1. According to Pavlov, the latest data give reason for optimism.