Petkov: Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector could start operating before September

Interconector testing is being finalised and so far has not shown any defect in the system. Petkov went to Komotini, Greece, today to inspect the new system built in the region.

The project links the Greek gas network in the Komotini area with the Bulgarian gas network in the Stara Zagora area.

By the end of June, construction works on both the Bulgarian and Greek sides must be completed, Petkov said.

He believes the interconnector minimizes the risk stemming from Gazprom's recent multiple actions, and that natural gas prices for consumers in Bulgaria will be very good.

Petkov visited a meter station on the IBG line, where he confirmed that even Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has declared the project's completion priority.

The liaison is a key link in the infrastructure Bulgaria needs to diversify the sources and routes of gas supply and end its almost total dependence on Russian gas supply.

Ninety-one percent of all construction works have been completed since mid-April, and the main elements to be completed are two gas stations in Stara Zagora, South Central Bulgaria, and Komotini, Greece.

The pipeline will total 182km long, mostly on Bulgarian territory.

The Bulgarian government has said earlier that Azerbaijani gas is expected to flow to Bulgaria through interconnectors since September.