Gas production from Chiren has been stopped

The extraction of blue fuel from the gas storage in Chiren has been stopped. This was announced by the Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, specifying that our only gas storage facility still has pumping capacity. "The capacity in Chiren remains. The second is to see if we can supplement Chiren. At the same time, we are talking to the EC, in case there is a complete interruption of gas by the Russian state, whether we can have a partial suspension of our electricity exports so as to replace capacity. At the same time, we are looking to see if we can buy liquefied natural gas through the Greek connection, "said Prime Minister Petkov.

He added that the government is working on all possible options to ensure Bulgaria's energy security even in the worst case scenario between Russia and Ukraine.

The problem with empty gas storage facilities is all over Europe, and in our country Chiren is the only gas storage facility we have. It has recently become clear that the technical quantities in the gas storage have dropped to 26%, with an average occupancy rate of over 35% in European gas storage facilities.

In addition to being a source of cheaper natural gas, storage facilities in Europe are also a strategic reserve for countries in the event of supply disruptions from transit pipelines. Russia continues to be the undisputed leader in pipeline gas supplies to Europe. This raises serious concerns among EU countries amid growing tensions between Ukraine and the main supplier of natural gas.

The cessation of gas production from Chiren could also lead to problems for blue fuel traders, who have contracts with Bulgartransgaz to store natural gas in the gas storage facility.