Bulgarian Energy Holding Chief: We Discussed Option to Reduce the € 77 Million Fine

We have consultants with whom we have discussed the possibility of reducing part of the fine and returning it to the three companies, the head of the BBulgarian Energy Holding, Petyo Ivanov told BNT on 20th of December. We even have the opportunity to turn the decision to the European Court and we will probably refer to it and ask it to consider the case in substance, he added, reports BNT. 

The European Commission said on 17th of December that it had fined Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), its two of its subsidiaries - gas company Bulgargaz and gas grid operator Bulgartransgaz, to the amount of 77.1 million euro for blocking competitors' access to key gas infrastructure in Bulgaria, in breach of EU antitrust rules.

The fine is required to be paid within 90 days of the decision. The three companies have a 3-month period in which we have to make the payment, with the possibility of a прожисионал payment or bank guarantee, Ivanov said.

He assured that this fine did not be paid from people's pockets.

There is a violation identified by the Commission, which the Bulgarian side does not accept, noted the head of BEH. It is about an alleged violation for restricting the access to the gas transmission network - by Bulgartransgaz to the access to the gas storage in Chiren, as well as a restriction to the transit gas pipeline in Romania, he added.

Petyo Ivanov, CEO of BEH: The Bulgarian side can not be blamed for not giving access to a resource, to an asset that is in a foreign country. With regard to the first two accusations, our statement is that this access has always been provided in accordance with the rules that were applicable at the time. Our rules may not have been fully in line with the European standards, but we have always worked...