Türkiye starts supplying gas to Bulgaria

Türkiye has begun to supply natural gas to Bulgaria upon a 13-year energy contract between the two countries.

The ceremony was held at the Turkish Marmara Ereglisi LNG terminal in the presence of Bulgarian Energy Minister Rossen Hristov, CEO of the BOTAS Petroleum Pipeline Company Burhan Ozcan and CEO of Bulgargaz Denitsa Zlateva, according to Anadolu.

In his speech Director General of BOTAS noted the importance of launching gas supplies for both Türkiye and Bulgaria.

“About 55 million cubic metres of gas will be initially supplied to Bulgaria and in general, Türkiye plans to transport about 1.5 billion cubic metres a year to the neighbouring country,” Ozcan said, noting that it is technically possible to increase gas supplies when demand grows in Bulgaria.

He drew attention that today 161 million cubic metres of LNG gas is supplied to Türkiye per day.

“This is equivalent to 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year. This way, we demonstrate to Bulgaria and other European countries the potential of our country, which can be used,” the CEO of BOTAS added.

In turn, Hristov said that the LNG tanker of the US Chenier company is in the port of Marmara Ereglisi.

“The terminal will regasify LNG, store and supply gas to Bulgaria in cooperation with BOTAS. This cooperation is of great importance not only for the energy security of Bulgaria, but also for Southeast and Central Europe,” the Bulgarian minister added.

Türkiye and Bulgaria signed an agreement on January 3 under which Bulgaria will receive about 1.5 billion cubic metres of gas per year through Türkiye for 13 years.