Bulgaria's economy and energy minister Petar Dimitrov has stated that the gas supply to local insolvent steel mill Kremikovtzi will not be restarted unless the debts to Bulgarian state-owned gas distributor Bulgargaz amounting to BGN 105 million (approx. $75 million) are paid in full, according to Sofia News Agency.
Some local reports had stated that the gas supplies to Kremikovtzi, which were cut on May 15 this year, could be restarted on June 1.
Minister Dimitrov also added that the most important steps he can take regarding Kremikovtzi are to help the workers. On Tuesday Dimitrov stated that the government had done all they could to prevent the closure of the steel mill.
Meanwhile, Kremikovtzi workers have suspended their protests until June 12, 2009, when Kremikovtzi's creditors are scheduled to meet and come to a decision for a "health" program for the factory, union leader Lyudmil Pavlov said.