At a closed-door meeting, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR) took a final decision regarding the statement submitted by Bulgargaz for confirmation of the prices for the fourth quarter of 2016 at which the public supplier will sell natural gas to end customers and to clients included in the gas distribution network.

Since, at the moment, there are no preconditions for the existence of a competitive environment on the natural gas market, the Commission regulates the price of the blue fuel, reported the press centre of KEVR.

It was decided that the price of natural gas will go up by 1.97% as of October 1. The increase requested by Bulgarghaz was 3%. Thus, the price for the fourth quarter will be BGN 296.60/1,000 c m, or BGN 30.80/MWh, excise tax and VAT excluded.

According to Bulgargaz, there is need to raise prices due to the expected increase in the price for the delivery of gas, as well as to the exchange rate of the BGN to the USD.

Bulgargaz has not requested an increase in prices since the end of 2014.

As already announced by the regulator, the increase in the price of natural gas will not affect heating and hot water prices.