site.bta Bulgartransgaz to Open New Procedure for Selection of Contractor for Gas Interconnector with Romania

Bulgartransgaz to Open New Procedure for Selection of Contractor for Gas Interconnector with Romania

Sofia, September 4 (BTA) - A new procedure for the selection of a contractor for the gas interconnector with Romania will be opened, after on September 2 the previously selected contractor: a Bulgarian company with a German sub-contractor, withdrew, citing changed relations between the contractor and sub-contractor, Energy Minister Temenouzhka Petkova told reporters on Friday, adding that a decision for the new procedure was made by Bulgartransgaz on Thursday. The new procedure will delay the completion of the facility, Petkova said.

She said that at the moment there are no grounds for concern in respect of gas deliveries to this country.

In respect of the gas inteconnector with Greece, Petkova said that the political instability there cannot affect "global projects" such as this one. The Bulgarian side has undertaken all possible actions, the disputed issues have been solved, and now a final investment decision is expected from the next regular Greek government, after which the project will begin, Petkova said.