Bulgaria intends to build the interconnector to reduce dependence on Russian gas and turn the country into a regional energy hub. But the 182-kilometer-interconnector construction project has been repeatedly delayed when a decision was made to implement it first in 2009.

"IGB aims at gas transportation from Azerbaijan and through LNG terminal in Greece,” he said. “As a result of the current deferral, the project will be completed at the end of 2018, rather than in the middle of 2018 as it was planned. We expect the signing of the final investment agreement,” he said. “This depends on our Greek colleagues. We expect that the agreement will be signed as soon as possible to start implementing the project. Our government is negotiating with the European Commission for financing the interconnector construction. Brussels has already allocated 45 million euro. We hope that we will get more money."

He said that the bridge, linking the IGB to the Romanian gas transportation system, will be constructed in 2016. Earlier, the government announced a new tender for the construction of the bridge component under the Danube river, suspended by the previous contractors.