The government expects a response from Gazprom regarding the resumption of talks on Monday at the latest, Bulgaria’s caretaker Minister of Energy Rosen Hristov said for Nova TV. The cabinet has informed the Russian company that it is ready to negotiate. 

Bulgaria will propose an extension to the deadline for the delivery of the remaining gas quantities under the current contract. "We cannot use these quantities until the end of the year. That is why we want to receive them in 2023" Minister Hristov explained. The idea of abolishing the advance payment to Gazprom will be also brought to the negotiating table.

"We will not continue the talks with Gazprom, If our conditions are not met", Rossen Hristov said. In his words, the potential talks will concern only the existing contract between Bulgaria and Gazprom. Minister Hristov is adamant that there are alternative gas sources.

• Energy Minister: Bulgaria may negotiate with Gazprom only under the existing contract