site.btaEnergy Minister: Bulgaria to Seek Arbitration against Gazprom over Suspended Gas Supplies

The possibility of Gazprom to demand and win an arbitration case against Bulgaria is minimized, caretaker Energy Minister Rossen Hristov said on Bulgarian National Television on Monday. In his words, Bulgaria is carefully following what is happening in the other countries where Russian gas supplies have been suspended, and preparations are made to open an arbitration case against Gazprom.

He said that many analyses should be made and a strong position should be built for Bulgaria to stand a chance at winning such a case. Work is being done with international legal companies with a lot of experience in this field, and they are currently preparing a position for Bulgaria. “I believe that we will have a position ready within a month or two, so that we can start the arbitration case,” he specified. 

It is early to say for what amount Bulgaria’s claim will be, he added. 

Gazprom cut off gas supplies to Bulgaria in April 2022 after this country refused to comply with Russia's demands for payments in roubles.