The EC rejected the connection between Bulgaria’s increase in the tariff for gas transit from the Russian Federation and sanctions

The decision of the Bulgarian government to increase the transit tariff for Russian gas is not related to EU sanctions against Russia; it is a national measure. This was stated by European Commission representative Tim McPhee at a briefing.

“As for the assignment of fees from this tariff, this is a question for the Bulgarian authorities, because we are talking about a national measure,” said Mr. McPhee (quoted by “Interfax”). According to him, the European Commission is discussing with Bulgaria and other countries the potential consequences of raising the tariff.

Tim McPhee added that EU sanctions against Russia were applied as a result of the unanimous support of 27 states. When asked whether the imposed restrictions provide for an increase in the cost of the transit tariff for Russian gas, he answered negatively.

October 13, Bulgarian Parliament entered an additional fee of 20 levs (about €10) per 1 MWh (about 100 cubic meters) for the transit of Russian gas through its territory. The authorities explained that the purpose of the tax increase was “fair taxation of profits earned on the territory of the state and an increase in budget revenues.”

The overland continuation of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline passes through the territory of Bulgaria, through which fuel flows to Hungary and Serbia. The authorities of these countries said that the increase in transit rates is a hostile measure that threatens the security of energy supply. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev appealed to the country’s Constitutional Court, saying that the introduced fee violates Bulgarian legislation.

Lusine Balasyan