Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria could face fuel shortages if Lukoil stops operating, says GERB leader Borissov

Boyko Borissov
Photo: BTA

Bulgaria could run into fuel shortages if the Lukoil Neftochim refinery stops operating, former Prime Minister and GERB leader Boyko Borissov warned on Thursday.

Speaking in the corridors of parliament, Mr Borissov said the government had received advance notice of possible sanctions on Russian energy companies, particularly Lukoil. This led to preventive legislation requiring approval from Bulgaria’s domestic security agency (DANS) for any sale of the company.

'We anticipated events — we have held careful discussions with the finance minister and the governor of the central bank to monitor the situation, because this is serious business. At one point, we could even be left without fuel,' Borissov said, while noting that the United States might reconsider its position.

Assen Vassilev, leader of the 'We Continue the Change' party, added, 'If Lukoil stops operating, it would disrupt fuel supplies to the country. We do not have sufficient import capacity to cover the country’s full needs.”

Assen Vassilev

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian National Bank said it is analysing the potential impact of the sanctions, adding that 'on a systemic level, there is no direct credit risk affecting the stability of the country's banking system.'



Editor: Ivo Ivanov
Posted in English by E. Radkova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgarian Judges Association raises concern over new antivirus software

Judges have opposed the introduction of a new antivirus agent on their computers. The magistrates fear that it could violate personal data protection rules and compromise the independence of the judiciary. In an official letter, the Bulgarian..

published on 11/26/25 12:21 PM

Boyko Borisov: Bulgaria will join the eurozone on January 1 despite protests

GERB leader Boyko Borisov said in Parliament that Bulgaria will become a member of the eurozone on January 1, regardless of protests organized by representatives of We Continue the Change Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB). He was commenting on opposition..

published on 11/26/25 11:06 AM

Bulgaria at risk of non compliance with the EU's fiscal framework in 2026

Six countries, including Bulgaria, are at risk of non compliance with the EU fiscal framework in 2026. This is highlighted in the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, adopted by the European Commission. Another 12 countries are urged to continue..

published on 11/26/25 10:06 AM