Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski said Friday that North Macedonia will use all legal means to remove Bulgaria’s transit tax on Russian gas.
'The transit tax on Russian gas of more than €10 ($10.90) per megawatt-hour levied by Bulgaria is illegal,'' said Kovacevski.
Kovacevski said earlier that North Macedonia cannot import non-Russian gas through Bulgaria, but the tax remains in effect. It would lift prices for heating and natural gas by 20% for consumers.
Hungary on Thursday, called Bulgaria's decision an 'act of hostility,' and warned that no one has the right to jeopardize other countries' energy supplies.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest is prepared to respond to Bulgaria's action in a measured manner under the EU framework.
Budapest has already initiated a criminal procedure against Sofia on Nov. 13, he added.
Bosnia Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, North Macedonia and Serbia receive gas from Russia through Bulgaria.
Bulgaria has not received Russian gas since the end of April 2022 because it refuses to pay in rubles.
By Talha Ozturk in Belgrade, Serbia
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr