MOSCOW - After Russia decided to wind down the South Stream project, Bulgaria is interested in retaining its status as a recipient of Russian gas and transit country of Russian gas to other European Union member-states, says Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Ivaylo Kalfin.
“The issue of Russian gas supplies is a matter of principle. We want to retain the opportunity of Russian gas supplies to Bulgaria and its transit,” Kalfin said in an interview with Interfax on Thursday when asked whether Sofia sees any opportunities to join the implementation of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project and receive gas from a hub to be built under it.
“It would be best for us if gas is shipped to the EU via Bulgaria,” he said.
Concerning gas consumption inside Bulgaria, Sofia is ready to consider alternative sources, he said.
“Our consumption of Russian gas is not that significant, from 3.5 million to 4 million cubic meters a year, and so, concerning consumption in Bulgaria, various alternatives are perhaps possible,” he said.
“We follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements and decisions that are announced and understand changes in Russia’s priorities. What is fundamentally important to us is that gas should be shipped to European states on the best terms,” Kalfin said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that it is for Russia to decide how to ship gas to Europe.
Sofia was discontent with Moscow’s decision to stop implementing the South Stream project, in which Bulgaria was supposed to play a key role.
