Bulgargaz asked the energy regulator to increase the price of natural gas for March by 3.5% which will raise the cost to 58 euros per megawatt-hour compared to February, when it was 56 euros.

Production from the gas storage in Chiren has been suspended and by order of Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov the facility has switched to the mode of pumping additional quantities into Bulgaria's reserve gas hub, which has led to Bulgargas' demand for an increase in the price, explained Energy and Water Regulatory Commission chairman Stanislav Todorov.

• EU provides money for expansion of Chiren gas storage facility

So far, cheaper gas has been drawn from Chiren during the winter months, but because of fears that the war in Ukraine could lead to a gas supply crisis, a new reserve needs to be built up. This will force Bulgaria to use more imported gas, which is significantly more expensive.

On 7 March, the regulator will officially approve the new gas price for March.