Natural gas is being used as a political and economic weapon, Bulgarian Minister of Energy Alexander Nikolov said, commenting on halted gas deliveries from Russia.

• Russia suspends natural gas supplies to Bulgaria

"As long as I am minister, Bulgaria will not negotiate under pressure and with head bowed down. Bulgaria is not for sale at any price. At the moment it is clear that the infrastructure facilities widely promoted in the past cannot guarantee the supply of natural gas, but this does not mean that we would fail to overcome this situation", Minister Nikolov said.

All natural gas supplies are guaranteed for at least a month in advance. There has been no reduction of gas supply from Russia yet, Minister Nikolov said at an extraordinary briefing on the topic today.

If Gazprom did not deliver agreed quantities, that would be a breach of contract, the minister added. A new expert meeting to discuss the next steps of the country is forthcoming, Minister Nikolov also said, recalling that Bulgaria is not the only one affected and that Poland and Lithuania are also in the same situation.

"Bulgaria is a loyal partner to all neighboring countries. Bulgaria is not Russia. When we have the opportunity, we help all neighboring countries," Minister Nikolov said, adding that all possible risks would be assessed and Bulgaria would not create tension in other countries, such as Serbia or Hungary.

In a statement published by TASS and Reuters, Gazprom recalled that Bulgaria and Poland are transit countries and if they were to divert Russian gas intended for third countries, transit deliveries for those countries “will be reduced by the volume that was taken.”

English: Alexander Markov