Bulgaria: The Lev Exits Circulation, Enters Collector Circles
As Bulgaria phases out the lev at the end of January, the numismatic market is already responding to the change, though not all coins are attracting attention.
Energy Minister: Bulgaria May Cease Russian Gas Transit Through TurkStream
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Bulgaria may halt the transit of Russian gas to Serbia via the TurkStream pipeline starting in the new year if Gazprom fails to ensure payment compliance with U.S. sanctions against Gazprombank. Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, speaking to journalists, emphasized that Bulgartransgaz cannot continue gas transmission without December payments, which have historically been processed through the now-sanctioned Gazprombank. The Russian energy giant is expected to clarify its payment method soon, Malinov stated, as quoted by Mediapool.
Gazprombank holds the primary capacity reservations for TurkStream’s extension through Bulgaria to Serbia until 2039, making its payments critical to Bulgartransgaz operations. However, recent U.S. sanctions on the Russian bank have complicated financial transactions. This development raises uncertainty about the continued operation of the pipeline, a key transit route for Russian natural gas bypassing Ukraine, established following the failure of the earlier "South Stream" project.
Malinov, addressing the "Powers Summit" forum in Sofia, also highlighted the broader issue of separating social policy from energy policy. He noted that defining "energy poverty" should not rest solely with the Ministry of Energy and stressed the importance of a clear and collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. Acknowledging this distinction would facilitate progress toward full energy market liberalization, a goal that requires coordinated efforts across government, parliament, and industry.
The minister proposed forming an interdepartmental working group under the Council of Ministers, jointly managed with the National Assembly's Energy Committee. This group would develop legislative measures ensuring market predictability, long-term stability, and transparency. Malinov also underscored the need for Bulgaria to provide a definitive timeline to its European partners for market liberalization, emphasizing the necessity of addressing public awareness challenges.
On infrastructure, Malinov advocated for advancing the pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant projects at Batak and Dospat through public-private partnerships due to their high financial demands. He called for political backing to ensure the successful development of these initiatives, which are vital for Bulgaria's energy sector.
Sources:
- Mediapool
- Bulgarian News Agency (BTA)
- Club Z
Related Articles:
Russia Pounds Eastern and Central Ukraine, Killing Nova Poshta Staff and Damaging Energy Infrastructure
Russian forces carried out a large-scale combined missile and drone attack across several regions of Ukraine on the night of January 12–13, with Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts among the hardest hit, while emergency power outages were introduced in Kyi
Bulgaria Frozen by Polar Cold as Invisible Black Ice Turns Roads into a Trap
Bulgaria has been gripped by severe winter conditions in recent days, with polar cold and snowfall turning travel across the country into a serious challenge
Bulgarian Economist: Euro Transition Exceeds Expectations
The shift to the euro in Bulgaria is proceeding more smoothly than many anticipated, according to Petar Ganev, senior economist at the Institute for Market Economics
Ridiculous Scenes as a Citizen Brings Canisters Filled with Coins to a Bank in Bulgaria
In the first days of Bulgaria’s euro introduction, some bank branches faced serious disruptions as citizens rushed to exchange large amounts of levs for euros, particularly coins.
Society | January 12, 2026, Monday // 18:41
Cold Tuesday Gives Way to Rising Temperatures Across Bulgaria
Cold conditions will persist across Bulgaria on Tuesday, with morning temperatures dropping further, while daytime values edge up slightly.
Americans Eye Lukoil Acquisition, Including Bulgaria’s Burgas Refinery
American energy companies Chevron and Quantum Capital Group are reportedly preparing a USD22 billion bid to acquire the sanctioned Russian oil giant Lukoil
First US LNG Cargo for Bulgaria in 2026 Reaches Alexandroupolis Terminal
The first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the United States intended for Bulgaria in 2026 has already reached the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis
Bulgaria Cuts Natural Gas Prices by 3.3% for January
From today, January 1, 2026, natural gas in Bulgaria becomes 3.3 percent cheaper, with the new price set at 31.15 euros, or approximately 61 leva, per megawatt-hour,
Bulgaria: Bulgargaz Proposes Lower Natural Gas Price for January
Bulgargaz has submitted a proposal for the price of natural gas in January, setting it at 60.93 BGN per MWh, which equals 31.15 EUR per MWh, excluding charges for access, transmission, excise duties, and VAT.
2026: A Pivotal Year for Bulgaria’s Energy Strategy
The upcoming year promises to be decisive for Bulgaria’s energy sector, determining whether the country will secure a strong position within Europe’s evolving energy and industrial framework or remain on the periphery
Bulgaria Offers Emergency Fuel Oil Supplies to North Macedonia Amid Energy Crisis
Bulgaria has offered to provide fuel oil to the Republic of North Macedonia after confirming that it holds sufficient reserves to meet domestic needs, according to the government press service.
