Bulgarian Deputy Economy, Energy and Tourism Minister Marii Kossev told journalists on Wednesday that Bulgaria will be seeking additional talks with Russia about a "genuine and more tangible" reduction of the price of natural gas.
He recalled that an official reply from Russia to the new proposals for the price of natural gas is expected by mid-August. The same applies to the Belene N-Plant project, because Russia is supposed to come up with a specific financial proposal. "In any case, we will ask the Russian side when we can possibly receive new proposals for the price of natural gas. Even if this does not happen next week, this question will be asked and an answer will be sought at all levels," the Deputy Minister added.
"Natural gas would be 21 leva more expensive without the talks with Russia in July, because the discounts were limited to a particular portion of the amounts of gas," Kossev said. Asked for comment on Bulgargaz's estimates, made public on Tuesday, that natural gas prices should rise by 3 per cent, the Deputy Minister said that these estimates are being verified.