Bulgaria in talks with Greece over possible gas imports

Bulgaria started talks with Greece to explore the possibility of importing gas from their neighbors as uncertainty over Russan gas supplies to Europe deepens as the Ukraine crisis goes on.

Poland, Slovakia and Austria reported declines in shipments from Russia and Reuters reports Romania’s energy minister saying that Russia was intentionally causing concerns in EU states.

Bulgaria’s Interim Economy Minister Vasil Shtonov said Bulgaria was working on importing between 1 to 3 million cubic meters per day. It is looking to reserve capacity at an LNG terminal near Athens and import it via an existing pipeline linking the two countries.

Shtonov also said that many heating utilities in Bulgaria are getting ready for the use of heavy fuel oil instead of gas if it comes to Russian gas supply cuts.

LNG World News Staff, September 19, 2014; Image: mi.government.bg