Bulgargaz has asked the energy and water regulator (KEVR) to raise the price of natural gas by almost 34% from 1 November. The new price would be €59.08 per megawatt hour.
If the commission approves the request, all customers on the regulated market will pay more, including district heating companies and households. The rise comes just before the heating season, so energy costs will be higher from the first winter months.
In October, a megawatt hour of gas costs €44.09, almost €15 less. Neither price includes access and transmission fees, excise duty or VAT.
Bulgargaz says the reason is higher supply costs. It has built into the price gas from its long-term contract with Azerbaijan, the liquefied gas it has bought, and the planned withdrawals from the Chiren underground gas storage facility. Unfavourable price trends on European gas markets are another reason.
KEVR will review the request, make its own calculations and set the final price for November.