EWRC Approves Six Per Cent Gas Price Hike for Bulgaria

Bulgaria's utilities regulator, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), has approved a six per cent increase in the regulated gas price for October. The new price is set at 44.09 euro a MWh, excluding transportation costs, excise, and value-added tax.

This marks the fourth consecutive month of price increases, with the current price significantly higher than last year's October rate of 31.19 euro a MWh. The regulator denied Bulgargaz's request to set the price at 44.41 euro a MWh, citing unfavorable natural gas price trends in the coming winter season.

The increase will be covered by domestic consumption, with gas received under a long-term contract with Azerbaijan and liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivered under previously agreed contracts also being used to meet demand.