site.btaDeputy PM Zaharieva: We Are Preparing for Gas Crisis in Winter

ESD 12:51:30 17-09-2014
MY1251ES.109
109 ECONOMY - NATURAL GAS - SUPPLY - COMMENT

Deputy PM Zaharieva:
We Are Preparing for
Gas Crisis in Winter


Sofia, September 17 (BTA) - There is a big chance that there
will be problems with the supply of natural gas, Deputy Prime
Minister for Economic Policy Ekaterina Zaharieva told
journalists here on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers. "This
is why we are preparing for such a crisis," she added.

"We are monitoring the situation between Russia and Ukraine
carefully and with concern. Yesterday (Tuesday) there was a
meeting of the crisis task force dedicated to this problem,"
Zaharieva said.

Heating utility companies have been warned to conduct tests on
replacing natural gas with crude oil as their fuel source, the
quantities of supplies are being checked, discussions are being
held with Greece for additional natural gas supplies through the
gas interconnector, Zaharieva listed the measures being taken
to address the problem.

"We are preparing ourselves along all lines, however over 85 per
cent of supplies come from the same place," she said.

The Chiren gas storage facility is currently not 100 per cent
full and ways to fill it up completely are being sought. Even if
full, however, its capacity will not be sufficient to meet this
country's needs during the winter. Currently the natural gas
supply has not been reduced, but it is not that big in the
summer, Zaharieva explained. LN/MY

/МЙ/