21.08.2022
The Government does its utmost to ensure sufficient natural gas supplies at prices that businesses and households can afford. The statement was made by Hristo Aleksiev, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policies and Head of the Energy Crisis Taskforce after he met members of industry associations, trade unions and employers’ organizations.
It was announced at a briefing in the Council of Ministers building that the cabinet is drafting amendments to laws to be passed as soon as the next National Assembly is called. The amendments are intended to facilitate the transition of enterprises to energy sources other than natural gas.
The members of the trade unions and of the employers’ organizations have agreed on the option for the Government to reopen negotiations with Gazprom. “Obviously we have to speak with them. I expect very difficult negotiations with Gazprom given all that has been done so far. It is difficult to persuade a business to sell you cheap gas when its market price in Europe is several-fold higher”, Energy Minister Rosen Hristov said firmly. In his assessment now, it is necessary to conduct very intensive negotiations with strong political support.
