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

Priеmier Zhelyazkov convenes a meeting with ministers in connection with the sanctions on Lukoil

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov is convening a working meeting with ministers in connection with the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Premier Zhelyazkov..

published on 10/24/25 8:57 AM

The Festival of Elena Dry-Cured Ham offers a rich folklore program, demonstrations and tastings

The Festival of Elena Dry-Cured Ham which will take place from October 24 to 26 in the town of Elena, offers a rich folklore program, competitions, demonstrations and tastings, the organizers from the Municipality of Elena and the Local Tourism Council..

published on 10/24/25 7:50 AM

The Institute of Agriculture-Kyustendil celebrates the Festival of Agricultural Science with a tasting of new apple varieties

The Institute of Agriculture-Kyustendil will celebrate the Festival of Agricultural Science today with a tasting of new apple varieties and hybrids, the institute’s director, Associate Professor Iliyana Krishkova, told BTA. Farmers will be presented..

published on 10/24/25 7:05 AM