Pipeliners

04.07.2009 - News.bg - “Gazprom” has offered to Bulgaria to use part of the country’s gas transportation system for gas supplies under the “South stream” project, according to the daily RBK newspaper. The Russian monopolist wants to use the Bulgarian gas pipeline to Greece. According to experts, by using the existing pipelines, “Gazprom” could save a lot of money for the construction of new pipelines to Bulgaria’s southern neighbor. The “South stream” pipeline is a joint project of “Gazprom” and the Italian company Eni and is expected to pass under the Black sea directly connecting Russia with Bulgaria. The northern branch of the pipeline, which will lead to Serbia, Hungary and Austria should pass through the Bulgarian territory. RBK daily cites the Bulgarian deputy minister of economy and energy Yavor Kujumdjiev, according to whom the Bulgarian government is firmly against the suggestion Bulgaria’s gas transportation system to be used for the Russian gas. During the energy conference in Sofia on 24-25 April Bulgaria and Russian should sign an intergovernmental agreement. “Gazprom” claims that Greece doesn’t consume so much gas and the construction of a new pipeline won’t be profitable. However, formal refusal for the usage of the existing Bulgarian system has not yet been received. According to Russian analysts Bulgaria’s behavior in this situation could be defined as an attempt to “increase its value” through the help of the limiting of the possible maneuvers of “Gazprom” after signing the agreement with Hungary and Serbia.