Bulgaria's gas monopoly Bulgargaz wants a 21,31% increase in the natural gas prices in Bulgaria starting January 1, 2009. The company, which is already part of the Bulgarian Energy Holding, submitted Wednesday its suggestion for the new gas prices to the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR). The Bulgargaz proposal provides for a natural gas price of BGN 653,46 for 1 000 cubic meters, with the 20% value-added tax not included, which is an increase by BGN 114,80. The new price would include a transit fee of BGN 19,73.
Bulgargaz justifies its proposal with the more expensive US dollar, whose value increased has increased by 15,39%. In addition, the statement of the monopoly reminds that the DKEVR did not approve its suggestion to increase the natural gas prices by 36% in the fourth quarter of 2008, and voted for a 24% increase instead. Bulgaria's DKEVR will decide on the new natural gas prices during its session on December 22 or 23, when it will also become clear how much the central heating costs would increase as the heating prices depend primarily on the natural gas prices.