Bulgaria Approves 32.52% Natural Gas Price Increase for November

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission approved a 32.52% increase in Bulgaria's regulated natural gas price for November 2026, setting the rate at EUR 58.43 per megawatt-hour. This price excludes VAT, excise duty, and transmission charges.

The regulator initially rejected a higher proposal of EUR 59.08/MWh submitted by the state-owned supplier Bulgargaz EAD. To meet the regulator's requirements, Bulgargaz reduced costs by increasing gas volumes drawn from the Chiren Underground Gas Storage facility. The final supply mix consists of storage reserves, liquefied natural gas, and quantities sourced from a long-term contract with Azerbaijan.

EWRC Chairman Plamen Mladenovski stated that the regulator has mechanisms to prevent these gas price hikes from impacting district heating and household electricity prices starting January 1, 2027.