The thermal power plant in Varna has been able to purchase all the coal needed for its production during the winter.

On November 7 power plant managers signed an agreement for the provision of coal from Vietnam and the previous week they concluded a deal for Ukrainian supplies, Focus news agency reported.

New agreements were necessary after a ban on coal export from Ukraine.

Varna thermal power plant requested from the National Electric Company (NEC) permission to decrease its production in November in order to get ready for the winter season, when consumption is highest.

Since the coal supply issue was dealt with rapidly, the power plant will be able to produce the needed quantity of electricity to maintain Bulgaria's energy balance.

The agreements signed envision higher prices for the coal supply that have not received NEC's approval. Because of the new conditions the power plant requested in the end of October a higher electricity prices starting November 1 2006.