Negotiations with Gazprom can be conducted only within the framework of the existing contract, which is in force until the end of 2022, Bulgaria’s caretaker Minister of Energy Rosen Hristov said.

 "Bulgaria has a contract with Gazprom Export for the supply of 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas and an obligation to use at least 80% of this amount. We have to pay for it, whether we have used it or not. If we do not use the quantities, we are likely to face arbitration against Gazprom and may lose a lot of money", Minister Hristov said and added that the government continues to look for alternative gas sources. Rosen Hristov confirmed that the Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector is expected to be operational by October 1.