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Bulgaria Moves to Suspend Some Fuel Exports to EU
(MENAFN) Bulgaria has moved to partially restrict fuel exports to fellow EU members, citing supply and national security risks after fresh U.S. sanctions hit Russia’s energy giant Lukoil.
The measures come as Washington last week blacklisted Lukoil and Rosneft, accusing Moscow of showing “a lack of commitment” to peace efforts in Ukraine. Russia maintains it “remains open to talks but wants a comprehensive deal addressing the root causes of the Ukraine conflict.”
The Bulgarian parliament on Friday approved a temporary ban on exporting certain fuels — primarily diesel and jet fuel — to other EU countries. The motion passed by 135 votes in favor, four against, and 42 abstentions.
Lawmakers framed the move as a safeguard against supply disruptions and price speculation, warning that Lukoil’s key assets in Bulgaria — including the Neftochim Burgas refinery and more than 200 gas stations — could be caught up in U.S. restrictions, potentially cutting off access to dollar-based financial systems.
The export suspension will not apply to gasoline, since Bulgaria produces more than it consumes, nor to fuel used for aircraft, maritime transport, or EU and NATO military operations. The national customs agency has been ordered to enforce the new rules but may grant limited exemptions “in special cases.”
Some legislators criticized the measure as an overreaction, arguing that Sofia should first coordinate with Brussels to avoid potential retaliation affecting Bulgaria’s own fuel imports from the bloc. The ban takes effect upon publication in the State Gazette, though its duration has not been set.
Earlier this week, Lukoil said it had agreed to sell its foreign subsidiary, Lukoil International GmbH, to global trader Gunvor, describing the move as an effort to protect its operations from future sanctions.
Russia has denounced Western sanctions as “politically motivated and illegal,” warning that punitive energy measures “will backfire.” The Kremlin insists such actions undermine free trade and could “destabilize global energy markets and drive fuel prices higher.”
The measures come as Washington last week blacklisted Lukoil and Rosneft, accusing Moscow of showing “a lack of commitment” to peace efforts in Ukraine. Russia maintains it “remains open to talks but wants a comprehensive deal addressing the root causes of the Ukraine conflict.”
The Bulgarian parliament on Friday approved a temporary ban on exporting certain fuels — primarily diesel and jet fuel — to other EU countries. The motion passed by 135 votes in favor, four against, and 42 abstentions.
Lawmakers framed the move as a safeguard against supply disruptions and price speculation, warning that Lukoil’s key assets in Bulgaria — including the Neftochim Burgas refinery and more than 200 gas stations — could be caught up in U.S. restrictions, potentially cutting off access to dollar-based financial systems.
The export suspension will not apply to gasoline, since Bulgaria produces more than it consumes, nor to fuel used for aircraft, maritime transport, or EU and NATO military operations. The national customs agency has been ordered to enforce the new rules but may grant limited exemptions “in special cases.”
Some legislators criticized the measure as an overreaction, arguing that Sofia should first coordinate with Brussels to avoid potential retaliation affecting Bulgaria’s own fuel imports from the bloc. The ban takes effect upon publication in the State Gazette, though its duration has not been set.
Earlier this week, Lukoil said it had agreed to sell its foreign subsidiary, Lukoil International GmbH, to global trader Gunvor, describing the move as an effort to protect its operations from future sanctions.
Russia has denounced Western sanctions as “politically motivated and illegal,” warning that punitive energy measures “will backfire.” The Kremlin insists such actions undermine free trade and could “destabilize global energy markets and drive fuel prices higher.”
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