The Romanian Commodities Exchange (BRM) announces the conclusion of the agreement to acquire the Bulgarian Energy Trading Platform AD (BETP AD), which it says in a press release is “an essential step in advancing regional co-operation in the natural gas market”.

The acquisition “emphasises BRM and BETP’s commitment to the integration of regional energy markets, giving Bulgaria and Romania a stronger position in diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on traditional suppliers”. The BRM strengthens the regional energy market by increasing efficiency, transparency and cross-border collaboration and “will bring significant benefits for Bulgaria and Romania by enhancing energy security, expanding trading opportunities and strengthening the role of both countries in the changing energy landscape in South East Europe”.

Benefits identified by BRM

• Strengthening regional relations The partnership will strengthen collaboration between the Bulgarian and Romanian energy markets, ensuring better coordination of gas supply and demand and supporting Bulgaria’s strategic energy objectives.
• Increased security of gas supply The purchase is in line with Bulgaria’s objective to diversify energy supply routes and sources, reduce dependence on gas imports from Russia and build a more secure and resilient energy system.
• Increasing market competitiveness Integrating BRM’s expertise with BETP AD’s well-established local presence will improve the competitiveness, transparency and efficiency of the Bulgarian gas market, to the benefit of Bulgarian companies and consumers.
• Benefits for consumers and businesses By capitalising on cross-border synergies, this initiative ensures more secure and competitive access to energy, directly supporting Bulgaria’s economic growth and sustainability goals.

About BRM

The Romanian Commodity Exchange (BRM) has been a pioneer in the Romanian commodities trading market since 1993, offering innovative trading solutions in natural gas, electricity and other markets. With its expertise now also extended to Bulgaria, BRM is poised to catalyse the growth of energy markets beyond its borders, building on the success of its Moldovan operations through BRM East Energy.

About BETP

The Bulgarian Energy Trading Platform AD (BETP) was established to create, develop and administer an organised, unified, reliable and stable regional market for natural gas, contributing to increased transparency and liquidity in the natural gas markets in the South East European region. From 2021, BETP will hold a licence to carry out the activity of “organisation of a natural gas trading market” in Bulgaria, valid for 35 years.