Regarding the media publications of 30.10.2014, we would like to advise the interested parties that currently there is no limitation of supplies to natural gas customers due to technical or technological problems. The change in pressure at the entry point Negru Voda/Kardam of the Bulgarian gas transmission network is due to reasons of technological nature on the territory of Russia. Cold weather in the last week is another factor for reducing pressure as it has caused increased natural gas consumption.
Bulgartransgaz EAD, as a gas transmission operator and operator of underground gas storage Chiren, monitors daily the dynamically changing situation related to natural gas supplies to Bulgaria and Europe through Ukraine.
Currently there is no risk of a crisis situation related to limitation of supplies to consumers. Due to the reduced pressure at the entry point, measures are taken to ensure a balance between the quantities input at the entry of the gas transmission system and those off-taken at the exits of the system. For this purpose the underground gas storage near the village of Chiren is used. As of October 31, 2014 there are 476 million cubic meters natural gas available in UGS Chiren, constituting 87% of the storage capacity and enabling withdrawal for over 150 days.
In case of receipt of official information by Bulgartransgaz EAD for a possible upcoming shortage of gas quantities, all interested party and the media will immediately be informed, in compliance with the requirements of the Action plan in crisis situations, provided early warning conditions are available.