Shell selected in Bulgargaz LNG tender for US cargoes routed through Turkey

Shell has won a procurement procedure run by Bulgaria’s state gas supplier Bulgargaz for the purchase of an LNG cargo to be delivered through a Turkish LNG terminal—an arrangement that underscores how Bulgaria is managing seasonal supply through cross-border infrastructure.

LNG volumes and tender process

The tender covers approximately 1 million MWh of LNG, which is equivalent to around 95 million cubic meters of natural gas under standard conditions. When the procedure was launched at the end of April, 37 companies were invited to participate, but only five bids were ultimately submitted.

According to Bulgargaz, Shell submitted the most favorable commercial offer and best met the tender requirements, securing first place in the competition.

US origin and timing

Bulgargaz said the LNG cargo will originate from the United States. The specialized vessel is expected to arrive in the region by the end of May.

The imported volumes are intended to cover part of Bulgaria’s summer gas demand, reflecting a targeted approach to balancing consumption outside the peak winter period.

Alexandroupoli maintenance and next shipment plans

Bulgargaz also noted that the LNG terminal near Alexandroupoli has been undergoing scheduled maintenance since early April. Once maintenance is completed, the company plans to arrange another LNG shipment that will be injected into the Chiren underground gas storage facility, supporting preparations for the 2026–2027 winter heating season.

For investors and market participants, the sequence matters: while Shell’s US-linked cargo is positioned for summer supply via Turkey, Bulgargaz’s follow-on plan centers on restoring access to storage-linked injections ahead of winter demand.