Russia suspends Gas Supplies to Bulgaria tonight

Today, Bulgargaz received a notification that natural gas supplies from Gazprom Export will be suspended as of April 27.

"The Bulgarian side has fully fulfilled its obligations and has made all payments required under this agreement, in a timely manner, strictly and in accordance with its clauses," the energy ministry said tonight.

The department also states:

"After an analysis by the state company Bulgargaz and the Bulgarian Energy Holding, it was found that the new two-stage payment procedure proposed by Russia is not in line with the existing contract until the end of this year and poses significant risks for Bulgaria, including to make payments without receiving any gas supplies from the Russian side.

The Ministry of Energy, the Bulgarian Energy Holding, Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz have taken steps to find alternative arrangements for the supply of natural gas and to deal with the situation. At present, no restrictive measures are required for consumption in Bulgaria."

On Wednesday morning, Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov will make a statement "in connection with the situation".

At 19:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Poland was officially informed by Gazprom that the supply of natural gas to the country will be suspended as of April 27. Earlier today, Poland refused to pay for Russian gas in rubles.

The first reaction of the Bulgarian government: "We have been prepared for such a scenario for months"

There is no reason to worry, government spokeswoman Lena Borislavova told BNR in connection with the news that Russia is suspending gas supplies to Bulgaria.

Borislavova also noted that "for months the Bulgarian government has been...