Plevneliev to Bloomberg: Bulgaria wants to reduce gas imports from Russia

Bulgaria plans to reduce its gas imports from Russia to 50% of its annual consumption within five years, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said in an interview with renowned agency Bloomberg.

Plevneliev cites a charges dispute between Russia and Ukraine that led to a two-weeks interruption of the gas transit to Bulgaria in the winter of 2009. According to the President, this case has revealed the need for greater independence of Bulgaria.

In 5 years, Bulgaria would like that at least half of the natural gas should be coming to the country from different sources than Russia, Plevneliev noted. Currently Bulgaria gets 87% of its natural gas from Russia.

Bulgaria is seeking connection to the planned Trans-Adriatic pipeline that will deliver 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from Turkey to Italy, Plevneliev informed.

According to the President, the diversification of sources will ensure economic growth against an interruption of energy supplies. GDP in 2013 will grow by 1%, but Bulgaria's potential is 4% to 6% per year, he noted.

"This year's protests over the economy and corruption show that the country continues its transition to democracy, as citizens demand more transparency from politicians " the president said about the situation in Bulgaria regarding the protests .

Adapted from StandartNews