Russian financial newspaper Vzglyad published an article claiming that Gazprom has a “plan B” in case Bulgaria continues to obstruct the construction of the South Stream pipeline that would drop Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Slovenia for its route in favor of Italy and Austria through Turkey and Greece.

The article states that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already hinted at another route.Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz has stated that Ankara would allow the pipeline to reach Turkey under the Black Sea instead of Bulgaria, whereas Greek Energy Minister Yiannis Maniatis had asked Gazprom officials to examine the option of a corridor through Greece during a recent energy conference in Athens.

On Tuesday, South Stream Bulgaria announced that it was suspending all public procurement activities and would not sign contacts related to the pipeline following a recommendation from the European Commission.