Bulgaria’s Revenue Agency Steps Up Checks on Coastal Businesses, Uncovers Over 90 Violations
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has intensified inspections along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast as part of its summer oversight campaign
The tenders for oil and natural gas exploration rights for Block 1-14 Silistar and Block 1-22 Teres, two exploration blocks located in Bulgaria's Black Sea continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, are underway.
The announcements were published in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 18.
The licenses for prospecting and/or exploration of oil and natural gas will be awarded for 5-year periods.
The applicant-merchant or at least one of the participants in the applicant-corporation should have generated total net income of sales for the last 3 financial years, depending on the date on which it was established, not less than EUR 150 000 000.
The applicants’ proposals for the competition shall be assessed on the basis of the proposed working programmes, resources for environmental protection and bonuses as provided for in the competition dossier, according to the Energy Ministry.
The deadline for purchasing the competition dossier expires on the 120th day following the publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The deadline for submitting applications for participation in the competition expires on the 140th day following the publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The deadline for submitting the proposals under the competition dossier expires on the 155th day following the publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The holders of the permits are expected to be selected in early autumn.
The launch of the competitions for the two exploration blocks is part of the commitment of the Bulgarian government to reduce the country’s dependence on imports and to develop its domestic oil and gas reserves.
The government expects that the competitions will attract the attention of leading international companies in the sector, as is the case with the Han Asparuh exploration block.
Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov has firmly criticized the 2022 agreement between state-owned Bulgargaz and Turkish company Botas, arguing that there was no objective reason to enter into such a deal
Authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into the controversial gas transmission agreement between Bulgaria’s state-owned Bulgargaz and the Turkish company Botas
The European Commission is preparing a new phase of green legislation that could significantly impact fuel prices across the EU
As of July 1, a new pricing period begins for household electricity, heating, and hot water in Bulgaria
At an open session, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) reviewed a proposal submitted by Bulgargaz EAD on June 10, 2025, for setting the July sale price of natural gas to end suppliers and licensed heating energy producers
The upcoming rise in electricity prices starting in July is expected to influence inflation in Bulgaria
Borderless Bulgaria: How Schengen Benefits Are Transforming Trade and Logistics
Bulgaria's Mortality Rate Remains Highest in Europe