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Against the background of a new public order for the supply of gas for the capital’s urban transport, questions about the need for intermediaries, the amount of commissions and the lack of effective control over municipal companies are again emerging. What is happening… Simeon Stavrev, municipal councilor from “Yes, Bulgaria” spoke to FAKTI.
– Mr.stavrev, you recently commented on a very interesting topic about the supply of gas for urban transport, as the public procurement is currently open. Tell us more – what is it about?
– Gas is purchased as a fuel for urban transport services.
– this is clear, as years ago we bought gas-powered buses with a public order to make it more environmentally friendly…
– yes, but now the problem with public procurement for me is twofold. First is that we will buy gas again with an intermediary, and it is known that the company has a license to buy gas directly. And the second is that a long contract will be concluded, as the public procurement is for three years. This contract will outlive the term of this City Council and the Mayor. Our mandate is two more years.
I don’t understand how the head of the municipal corporation allows himself to do such a long public procurement, given the
Sofia Residents question €4.18 Million Commission for Gas Delivery
Concerns are mounting over the continued use of an intermediary in gas deliveries to Sofia’s “Toplofikatsia” and transport companies, with critics questioning the financial benefit to residents. Individuals have been in “temporary” positions for a year and a half, a situation described as uncontrolled and lacking accountability.
One example highlights a projected €4.18 million commission paid to the intermediary over the next three years. This calculation is based on an average monthly gas need of 14,500 MWh across the “Druzhba”, “Malashevtsi”, and “Zemlyane” garages, at a commission rate of €8/MWh.This equates to €116,000 monthly, totaling €4.18 million over 36 months, against a total order value of €32.2 million (excluding VAT).
“Is this beneficial for the people of Sofia?” a concerned party questioned.The continued reliance on an intermediary is particularly puzzling given that “Toplofikatsia” already possesses a gas trading license, rendering the arrangement seemingly unjustified.
Questions have been raised regarding commentary on the public order within the municipality, with demands for answers from both the company’s leadership and the municipal council.
“Can the middleman be avoided?” – the answer,according to critics,is a resounding yes,both last year and this year.They suggest intervention not only from the municipal council but also from the economic police and the prosecutor’s office, noting that reports have already been submitted to these authorities.
Ultimately, the argument centers on a belief that the current arrangement is not in the public interest.
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