Bulgargaz to use gas from Chiren repository this winter

"Given the usual increase in gas consumption by heating utilities during the winter months and especially in the first three, the threat of gas shortages is real," Aleksander Popov, head of licensing activities and corporate affairs at Bulgargaz said.

The step is necessary because of Bulgargaz’s financial difficulties, Popov added.

The company plans to use 210 million cubic meters of the repository’s reserves by the end of the year and another 170 million cubic meters in the first quarter of 2013.

The Chiren facility is located in northwestern Bulgaria.