The State Duma assessed Bulgaria's statements on the termination of gas transit from Russia

Cooperation with CIS countries on gas transit from Russia carries fewer risks than with Bulgaria, State Duma deputy, member of the Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Artur Taymazov said on December 12.

"The problem of gas transit through European countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania, has shown the vulnerability of the European-oriented approach. Sanctions, tariff changes, political pressure from third countries - all this turns gas pipelines passing through the territory of Europe into a zone of instability. In these conditions, an obvious question arises: why should our countries focus on the European route, when there is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the CIS countries and Asian countries?

He also said that the CIS has privileges in economic ties and gas infrastructure, which were formed throughout history. The deputy added that many trunk gas pipelines of the Soviet times are still the basis of supplies. At the same time, their modernization is cheaper than the construction of new routes through Europe.

"Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, for example, can not only act as gas consumers, but also develop transit potential. Kazakhstan has significant hydrocarbon reserves, but to cover all regional needs and realize export opportunities requires coordinated work with partners from the CIS," the parliamentarian pointed out.

According to Taymazov, the creation of a unified gas strategy through the CIS countries would allow not only to solve domestic issues, but also to enter the Asian market. The MP noted that China is ready to co-invest in infrastructure projects, which makes the region even more attractive for joint work.

In addition, the interlocutor emphasized that the ratified agreement on free trade in services and investment within the CIS became the basis for strengthening cooperation. In the energy sector, this agreement opens access to national markets on favorable terms and makes the region more attractive for domestic and foreign investments. The adoption of this document emphasizes the willingness of the CIS countries to act coherently based on common interests.

"Comparing these prospects with the current situation, for example, in Bulgaria, one can note how much less risky cooperation with CIS partners is. Bulgaria, taking advantage of its position as a transit country, has repeatedly tried to dictate terms, including raising transit tariffs," Taimazov continued.

He also said that the country's actions are usually supported not only by economic, but also by political motives. The desire to use gas pipelines as a tool of pressure makes any long-term contracts with such countries unreliable.

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Earlier, on December 11, the president of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic (TMR), Vadim Krasnoselsky, said that Russian gas could be delivered to Transnistria via Turkish Stream. He noted that the contract on gas transit through Ukraine expires on December 31, 2024. He explained that gas could be supplied to Transnistria in two directions - through Ukraine and via the Turkish Stream.

At the same time, on the same day it became known that the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe via Turkish Stream was under threat because of Bulgaria and US sanctions.

December 6, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin said that Serbia is asking Russia to increase the volume of gas supplies under a new agreement, which is currently being developed by Moscow and Belgrade. He pointed out that gas supplies from Russia to Serbia have already been increased this year, and then the countries will sign a new agreement. Vulin believes that there will be no problems in this matter.