European Commission Urges Bulgaria to Speed Up Expansion of Chiren Gas Storage
The European Commission has urged Bulgaria to move faster on expanding the capacity of the Chiren gas storage facility
Greece's DESFA Ready to Reverse Gas Flow to Bulgaria
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Photo by bnr.bg
Greece's gas transmission network operator DESFA has guaranteed its readiness to reverse gas flow through the reverse-flow gas grid interconnection Kulata/Sidirokastro.
As a result, Bulgaria will be able to receive gas supplies from Greece, in the case of a gas crisis.
The gas company specifies in a statement that it has concluded the first stage of the upgrade of the existing gas grid interconnection, installing valves which allow the reverse flow of natural gas, according to reports of investor.bg.
Remote control of the Kulata/Sidirokastro station has also been introduced.
The investment amounts to EUR 3.3 M and was fully covered by DESFA.
The Greek gas company argues that the upgrade contributes to the development of the regional gas markets in Southeastern Europe.
DESFA expects gas traders in Bulgaria and Greece to express interest in the new capacity of the gas grid interconnection.
The finalization of this stage of the upgrade of the gas grid interconnection comes against the backdrop of the threats of Russian Gazprom to cut gas shipments to Ukraine on June 3.
Gas deliveries to Ukraine will be suspended if the country fails to pay in advance for June deliveries or if the talks between the EU, Russia and Ukraine collapse.
The trilateral talks are to determine the liabilities of Ukraine and the price of natural gas.
There are fears that Russia may suspend gas deliveries to the whole of Europe in a repeat of the 2009 gas crisis.
Reversing the gas flow from Greece to Bulgaria has already been tested.
Bulgaria can receive up to 3 million cubic meters of gas a day through this gas grid interconnection.
According to data of Bulgarian gas transmission system operator Bulgartransgaz, no gas quantities have been taken out of the Chiren underground gas storage since March and the depot has only received new supplies.
At the beginning of the week, the Chiren gas storage facility contained 308 million cubic meters of gas.
According to calculations of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Bulgaria can last at least 45 days in the case of Russia suspending gas shipments.
Related Articles:
Borissov-Linked Company Seeks to Acquire Gazprom Stations in Bulgaria?
According to the opposition political party "Revival", Gazprom is in the process of selling its network of gas stations in Bulgaria
Politics | August 15, 2025, Friday // 10:20
Bulgaria: Gazprom's Gas Stations Transition to AVIA Under New Ownership
In Bulgaria, Uni Energi, the company behind the Avia gas station network, has submitted a request to the Commission for Protection of Competition to acquire Gazprom’s assets in the country
Critical Energy Talks Underway as U.S. Financiers Propose Major Investment in Bulgaria’s Gas Hub
Two American financiers, one of whom has ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign, have initiated talks with Bulgarian officials over a potential investment in Chiren
Gazprom-Owned NIS Exits Bulgaria: Serbian Fuel Giant Sells Local Business Amid Sanctions Pressure
The Serbian oil company NIS, majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom, has officially decided to exit the Bulgarian market
Gazprom Faces $13.1 Billion Loss Amid EU Energy Exports Decline
Russian energy giant Gazprom has faced a significant financial blow in 2024, recording net losses of 1.076 trillion rubles
Bulgaria Hit by Fuel Shock as Diesel Prices Surge 37% Since Iran War Began
Bulgaria’s fuel market has recorded a sharp upward shift since the outbreak of the war in Iran, with diesel and petrol prices rising significantly across the country
Bulgaria: Second Black Sea Drilling in Khan Asparuh Block Fails to Find Natural Gas
The second exploration drilling in the Krum-1 area of the Khan Asparuh block in Bulgaria’s Black Sea has also failed to identify commercially significant natural gas deposits, according to OMV Petrom
Sofia Heating Price Hike Near 30% Sparks Backlash Over Household Costs
The Ombudswoman institution has voiced strong opposition to the proposed increase in heating prices in Sofia, which is expected to approach nearly 30 percent
Bulgaria Locks in Cheaper Natural Gas for April as Azerbaijan Deal Keeps Prices Below EU Average
The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) in Bulgaria has set the price of natural gas for April 2026 at 34.27 euros per megawatt-hour, excluding access, transmission, excise duties and VAT
Fuel Shock in Bulgaria: Diesel Prices Skyrocket Nearly 30% in One Month
Fuel prices in Bulgaria have recorded a sharp upward movement over the past month, with diesel showing the most significant increase, according to data from the Fuelo platform
Bulgargaz Confirms 5% Gas Rise for April, Says No Big Jumps Expected Soon
Bulgargaz has defended its previously submitted proposal for a 5% rise in natural gas prices for April before the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, with CEO Veselin Sinabov stressing that there is currently no justification for any further increases
