Bulgaria produced 3,057 GWh of electricity in May 2026, down from April but up versus May 2025. The monthly pattern reflects volatility linked to weather, renewable output and seasonal consumption.
On a month-on-month basis, electricity generation fell 18.7%, while consumption declined 7.7% to 2,554 GWh. The reduction aligns with the shift from winter and early spring demand into a milder period when heating needs fall. Solar generation also changes the dispatch profile of conventional plants during this part of the year.
May 2026 generation and consumption compared with May 2025
Compared with May 2025, electricity generation increased 18.3%, outpacing the 6.1% rise in consumption. This difference indicates a larger surplus available for export.
The exportable balance supports Bulgaria’s role as a supplier to Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. Regional flows are also influenced by conditions affecting supply further north, including nuclear restrictions and renewable shortfalls.
Natural gas use and domestic production in May
Natural gas consumption reached 217mn cubic metres in May 2026. That was 12.1% lower than April but 20.6% higher than a year earlier. Domestic gas production remained below 0.5mn cubic metres.
The figures leave Bulgaria’s energy system reliant on imported gas for meeting demand levels.
Oil products and solid-fuel output and consumption
Oil-product data showed mixed trends across fuels. Unleaded petrol production decreased 0.8% to 127,000 tonnes, while petrol consumption rose 7.4% to 58,000 tonnes. Diesel production increased 2.8% to 253,000 tonnes, but diesel consumption jumped 41.3% to 236,000 tonnes.
Larger diesel consumption may reflect higher activity across transport, construction, logistics and industry, although inventory movements could also have affected the month-on-month comparison. Liquefied petroleum gas consumption rose 14.3% to 32,000 tonnes, while domestic LPG production stayed at 7,000 tonnes.
Solid-fuel production increased 33.7% to 834,000 tonnes, alongside a 29.6% rise in consumption to 884,000 tonnes. Coal remains relevant for dispatchable capacity, employment and system adequacy even as nuclear and renewable generation strengthen the low-carbon position of Bulgaria’s power sector.
Rising electricity exports can support generator revenues while also increasing the need for grid reinforcement and flexible assets able to manage stronger cross-border flows.
