Minister of the Interior Boyko Rashkov announced that pre-trial proceedings had been initiated in connection with the gas crisis and the price of gas.

Regarding the replacement of the entire management of Bulgargaz state-owned company, he stated that an investigation was ongoing into whether the high prices have been caused by international developments, or whether they are the result of actions inside the country by persons, guided by their own personal interests, and whether the company hasn’t been working against the interests of the country.

• PM expects charges raised against former Bulgargaz head
  

“The individuals from Bulgargaz who are responsible, against whom charges could initially be brought in the investigation, are very difficult to determine. For the moment I can tell you, with a high degree of certainty, that there is one individual, against whom charges will be brought,” Minister Rashkov said, but declined to give a name. Whether charges will be brought against other officials is a matter for the investigation, he said and specified: “It is too early to make any predictions.” Minister Rashkov stated further that an investigation was also ongoing at the Interior Ministry against experts from the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission. 

The accusations by the Minister of the Interior were rejected by Svetoslav Delchev, member of the former Bulgargaz board of directors. Talking to the BNR he stated that with its 95% market share, the company upholds the national interest well enough. “However, if this market share drops in future, and market positions already conquered are handed over to private gas traders, this would mean that private interest is being catered for, and that should be investigated.”