site.btaRegional Minister: Water Prices in Bulgaria Raised in a Coordinated Manner

Water prices in Bulgaria are market-based and were raised in a coordinated manner as of February 26, caretaker Regional Development and Public Works Minister Angelina Boneva told journalists at the Council of Ministers on Friday.

She was responding to a question on whether drinking water prices would increase from March 1, following a working meeting convened on Friday by caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov over numerous signals about high electricity bills and drinking water prices. The meeting was also attended by caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov and Economy Minister Irina Shtonova.

"I find it interesting who held prices back until now, who held them back until yesterday and, so to speak, who coordinated their increase while I was in Brussels," Boneva commented.

She said she had received reports from the Bulgarian Water and Sewerage Holding but had not yet had time to review them. The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) has also provided data to the minister.

Boneva said that once she reviews the full picture, she will present more details at a press conference at the ministry, where she will also introduce her team. "I will propose to the Prime Minister to publicly invite us and the independent regulator, so that Bulgarians know institutions are working together and that they will have water for the holidays," she added.

In response to another question, which also concerned water prices from March 1 but which the minister understood as referring to changes in the toll charging model for heavy goods vehicles, Boneva said those changes would not take effect from that date.

"No, I asked in Brussels - the deadline under the directive is on the 24th. I have spoken with the head of the toll system, and he agrees that there is no need to worry Bulgarians now ahead of March 3, so the situation there is calm," she said.

Changes to the toll charging model for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes had been expected to enter into force on March 1, 2026, with the addition of a new component reflecting vehicle CO₂ emissions. The measure forms part of EU efforts to reduce harmful emissions and promote greener road transport.