The contract signed between the Bulgarian state gas company Bulgargaz and Turkey’s Botas has come under heavy scrutiny amid claims that it is severely disadvantageous for Bulgaria. Officials describe the deal as highly unprofitable, with the state-owned company incurring substantial losses. Since August 2024, Bulgargaz has stopped making payments on the contract due to a lack of funds, although the agreement obliges Bulgaria to continue paying for a service it no longer uses. This situation has