National natural gas distributor Bulgargaz called for a 4.06 per cent price increase starting January 2007.
A decision on new prices needs the approval of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC).
In case the hike is approved, the current price of 308.58 leva a cubic m of natural gas will rise by 12.53 leva.
An increase was needed because of the decreased gas value during the fourth quarter of 2006 on the domestic market. In the end of September SEWRC failed approving a price increase, despite the fact that Russian gas supplies became more expensive in October, mediapool.bg reported.
Bulgargaz representatives said that the increase had nothing to do with the ongoing negotiations between Bulgaria and Russian Bulgargaz on the provision and transit passage of gas through Bulgaria.
