Plamen Mladenovski, the newly appointed Chairman of the Bulgarian Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (KEVR), has said that natural gas prices in the country could decrease by at least 10% in the near future, as global market prices continue to decline.
He pointed out that KEVR has already reduced natural gas prices for April by 14.3% compared to March. This drop was made possible thanks to more affordable gas imports from Azerbaijan and a general decrease in domestic consumption.
Despite the current downward trend, Mladenovski avoided making long-term predictions, noting that energy markets remain highly volatile. He added that the recent tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump have contributed to a decrease in global oil prices, but whether that trend continues will depend on how long the tariffs stay in effect.
Mladenovski emphasized that energy prices are currently driven more by sudden global events than predictable trends, making it difficult to project stable increases or decreases in gas and fuel costs.
Addressing recent proposals to significantly raise heating prices starting July 1, he explained that some district heating providers are requesting steep increases as a precaution—due to concerns over unpredictable natural gas prices, electricity costs on the open market, and carbon credit prices. However, he criticized these proposals, stating they lack adequate justification.
He warned that excessive hikes in heating prices could push many households to switch to electric heating, which may be seen as a more affordable option.
Regarding the upcoming liberalization of the household electricity market scheduled for July 1, Mladenovski reassured consumers that protective mechanisms are in place. If liberalization proceeds on schedule, compensation schemes will be implemented to prevent major price shocks. If the process is delayed, as proposed by some political parties, households will continue to receive electricity at regulated prices.