Under the schedule of actions envisaged by the Agreement signed between Gazprom and Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD on FS for the Bulgarian section of the South Stream project the parties initiated an open tender for selection of a contractor to perform FS for the South Stream gas pipeline construction in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Energy Holding published the information about participation in the open procedure for the contractor selection on its official website (www.bgenh.com ).

Background:

Russian natural gas has been exported to Bulgaria since 1974. In 2009 Gazprom supplied Bulgaria with 2.2 billion cubic meters. At present, Gazprom is the only gas exporter to Bulgaria.

Gazprom transits natural gas to Turkey, Greece and Macedonia across Bulgaria. In December 2006 the existing Transit Contract between Gazprom export and Bulgargaz was extended from 2010 to 2030.

In January 2008 Russia and Bulgaria signed the Intergovernmental Agreement stipulating Bulgaria’s involvement in the South Stream project.

On May 15, 2009 Gazprom and Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD signed the Agreement of  Cooperation during the gas pipeline construction to transit natural gas via the Republic of Bulgaria as part of the South Stream project.

In July 2010 Russia and Bulgaria signed the Roadmap to perform FS for the Bulgarian section of the South Stream project. The Roadmap represents a plan of prioritized actions for the project implementation in Bulgaria.

On October 25, 2010 Gazprom and Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD signed the Agreement on FS for the Bulgarian section of the South Stream project.