A Phone Call is Fine, Thanks

Plans by Bulgaria to send a senior delegation to Moscow to discuss the cancellation of the South Stream pipeline project received short shrift, with Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak cancelling due to "urgent" matters.

Instead a telephone discussion between Bulgaria and Russia's energy ministers is planned to take place on Friday.

Minister of Economy Bozidar Lukarski has said that Bulgaria has no intention of stopping the South Stream project. The Bulgarian side has also called upon German Chancellor Angela Merkel to assist in its bid to seek new talks with Russia about the project

It is unclear what the purpose of the Bulgarian approach will be, as Russia has repeatedly stated that the pipeline project is cancelled, due in part to the lack of co-operation and clarity from Bulgaria.  Sources have commented that Bulgaria may suggest Russia continue the construction of the offshore part of the pipeline and that Bulgaria host a gas distribution hub.

Meanwhile, Vedomosti reports that Russian pipemakers have not received official notification on the termination of the pipeline project and it continue producing and delivering pipes for storage on Bulgarian territory.