Bulgaria is looking to increase imports of natural gas from Azerbaijan as part of its efforts to strengthen energy security and diversify supply sources. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bulgaria’s energy minister and Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Sofia, where both sides explored opportunities to expand gas deliveries from SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state energy company, to Bulgaria and other regional markets. The talks also covered the development of green energy corridors connecting the Caspian region with Europe, as well as potential investment opportunities in the energy sector.

Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva Petrova discussed the potential for increasing natural gas supplies with Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Sofia, Elmar Mammadov

Sofia’s interest in securing additional volumes of Azerbaijani gas reflects a broader shift in Europe’s energy landscape. As European countries continue reducing their dependence on Russian energy supplies, Azerbaijan has emerged as one of the continent’s most important alternative suppliers. Azerbaijani gas currently covers more than 60% of Bulgaria’s annual natural gas demand, making Baku a key partner in the country’s energy strategy.

Further expansion of cooperation could represent the next stage in the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, which links Caspian energy resources with European consumers through the TANAP and TAP pipelines and the Greece–Bulgaria Interconnector. Existing infrastructure provides room for increased transportation volumes, creating opportunities not only for higher deliveries to Bulgaria but also for broader distribution across Southeast Europe.

Growing demand from Bulgaria reinforces Azerbaijan’s position as a strategic energy supplier to the European market. In recent years, Baku has steadily expanded gas exports to new destinations across Europe, while cooperation with Bulgaria has become an increasingly important element of its energy partnership with the European Union. Bulgarian officials have repeatedly expressed interest in increasing imports of Azerbaijani gas and supporting projects aimed at expanding regional energy connectivity.

 

Analysts note that the discussions extend beyond commercial energy trade. For Bulgaria, deeper cooperation with Azerbaijan is part of a long-term strategy to diversify energy sources and enhance resilience against external supply shocks. For Azerbaijan, expanding gas exports strengthens its role as a reliable energy partner for Europe and supports its broader economic and strategic objectives. Amid continued uncertainty in global energy markets, Bulgaria’s interest in additional Azerbaijani gas supplies highlights the growing importance of Azerbaijan in Europe’s energy security framework. The evolving partnership between Sofia and Baku is increasingly viewed as a key component of the region’s long-term energy architecture.

#BULGARIA

#AZERBAIJAN

13.06.2026 02:00