Gas distribution companies in Bulgaria distributed a total of 362 mln cu. m of natural gas in 2007. The subsidiaries of Overgas Inc alone distributed 256 mln cu. m of natural gas to over 29,000 household customers las year, the company told Profit.bg.

The total length of Overgas' gas distribution network increased by 134 km last year, to 1,670 km. The company invested a total of 16.04 mln leva (8.2 mln euros) in the expansion of the gas infrastructure in 2007.

The number of household customers of the company went up by 39% in 2007 reaching 29,107. The figure represents an increase 9,000 compared to the previous year.

Overgas' clients saved 182 mln leva (93 mln euros) in energy costs in 2007 as a result of the replacement of traditional fuels with natural gas. Industrial consumers saved a total of 113 mln leva (58 mln euros) last year.

Overgas booked 22.54 mln leva (11,52 mln euros) pre-tax profit for 2007.

The market capitalization of the company went up by 14.248 mln leva (7.285 mln euros) in a year.

The Bulgarian Credit Rating Agency (BCRA) recently affirmed Overgas' credit rating. The company was assigned the highest credit rating issued by BCRA so far – short-term “А-1+” and long-term “АА–” with a positive outlook.