Thirteen-year natural gas agreement between Türkiye, Bulgaria

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Bulgaria and Türkiye have signed a cooperation agreement that foresees the transfer of approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.

With the deal, EU-member Bulgaria found an alternative after being cut off from Russia's gas, from which it was almost wholly dependent. According to the signed 13-year deal, Bulgargaz will be able to use Türkiye's LNG terminals for cargo shipments in order to transport Botas's gas network to Bulgaria.

"It will greatly contribute to Europe's natural gas supply security, especially Bulgaria," Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez explained.

"Türkiye is a country that supplies gas from 15 countries with 7 different lines and LNG terminals. This is also one of the important steps for Türkiye to become a gas hub."

Türkiye as a natural gas hub

After Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and subsequent sanctions imposed by EU countries, Russia demanded payment in rubles for its energy resources.

In April 2022, Russia stopped the natural gas supply to Bulgaria, making the country seek alternative sources.

Türkiye, which decided not to sanction Russia, continues to import the country's gas. Furthermore, Moscow is playing with the idea of setting up a hub for Russian gas in Türkiye. This, in theory, would able Russia to disguise its exports.

Bulgaria's interim Energy Minister Rossen Hristov commented on this possibility by stating that Bulgaria cannot control what gas will enter the country but will try its best to sign agreements for LNG supplies not coming from Russia. (WM/VK)