The government is considering introducing a compensatory mechanism due to the increase in fuel prices, but it is not yet clear what exactly it will be. This became clear after an extraordinary meeting of deputies on the issue.
Compensation for refueling was already available in 2022, when the prices of gasoline and diesel reached 3.50 leva per liter. It is not yet known whether there will be a reduction from the state for refueling now, nor what the values per liter of fuel will be. Representatives of the institutions assure that there will be no fuel crisis, as the available stocks are sufficient, but the deputies insisted on specific measures.
„The available stored fuels as of March 10, as well as raw materials, are able to satisfy the consumption of gasoline – a period greater than 90 days, gas oil – greater than 90 days, kerosene – greater than 90 days“, explained Deputy Minister of Finance Stanimir Mihaylov.
Rumen Specsov, special commercial manager of “Lukoil Neftochim Burgas“, added that “by the end of March, all needs for oil processing are secured, a schedule for deliveries for April has been prepared, we have no information from traders that they will not fulfill deliveries for April“.
By law, Bulgaria stores fuel both in the country and abroad, in case of unexpected problems. However, the deputies insisted on measures to reduce prices at gas stations.
“We are all monitoring the stock exchange and what is happening. The situation does not show us a sharp future improvement“, commented Stanislav Anastasov from the DPS. Georgi Krastev from GERB added: “You said that you are working on a compensatory mechanism, but this is very general. We want details.“ Deputy Minister of Finance Stanimir Mihaylov specified: “Several such options are being discussed and they are not related to the extension law.“
During the discussion, Kostadin Kostadinov proposed “to lift sanctions against the Russian Federation, which, by the way, was also stated yesterday by the Hungarian Prime Minister“.
Measures and a review of fuel stocks were also requested by the former President Rumen Radev: “The government must get its head out of the sand and frankly admit that we are facing difficult trials“, he said.
As of today, the average price of gasoline in our country is 1.32 euros, of diesel – 1.45 euros, and propane-butane - 0.62 euros.