On 3 June within the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2017 a working meeting was held between the Chairman of the Management Board of Gazprom Alexey Miller and the Bulgarian Minister of Energy Mrs. Temenuzhka Petkova.

The parties discussed the prospects in developing the cooperation in the gas sector. It was noted that Russian gas exports to Bulgaria have been growing every year since 2013. The positive trend continues in 2017, as well. In the period 1 January – 31 May, the gas deliveries to Bulgaria have increased by 14.5% compared to the first five months of 2016. The fruitful cooperation between Bulgartransgaz EAD and Gazprom regarding the natural gas transit transmission across Bulgaria to third countries was also commented.

In the course of the meeting, particular attention was paid to long-term arrangements for gas deliveries to Bulgaria. Alexey Miller briefed Temenuzhka Petkova on the progress of the TurkStream project, emphasizing that the new gas transmission capacities in the Black Sea area would substantially improve the reliability of gas supplies to consumers in Southern and Southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria. Temenuzhka Petkova spoke about the development of Bulgaria's gas transmission system, investments therein, and the concept for creating a gas distribution center in the country.

Following the meeting Alexey Miller and Temenuzhka Petkova signed a Road Map according to which the Parties will examine the issue of developing the gas transmission infrastructure on the territory of Bulgaria in line with the rules of the EU.

Background: In 2016, Gazprom's gas exports to Bulgaria totalled 3.18 billion cubic meters (a 2.1 per cent increase from 2015).