A temporary increase in fuel prices is possible for a month or two during the rearrangement of the markets after the sanctions against Russian oil companies. This was stated yesterday in Sliven by the chairman of "We continue the change" Assen Vassilev to journalists.
According to him, Bulgaria faces a risk to the continuity of fuel supplies if the case with "Lukoil" is not resolved by November 21. According to him, the sanctions against "Rosneft" and "Lukoil" have already led to an increase in the price of oil on world markets, which may affect fuels in our country.
"With every such major shift in the markets, there is at least a month or two of increase until things settle down", he commented.
What is more worrying, according to Vassilev, is that the real availability of fuels and the security of supplies must be guaranteed in Bulgaria. An inspection of the state reserve and warehouses is currently underway.
He recalled that in 2023, contracts for alternative supplies without Russian oil were prepared in the event of similar shocks.
"The state must have a plan. The largest storage base is owned by Lukoil - this is the most serious risk. If a sale to a non-Russian owner does not take place, there may be problems with the power supply," stressed Vassilev.
He pointed out as a positive that the port is now state-owned and can serve suppliers that are not related to "Lukoil".
The PP leader commented on other topics on the economic agenda. According to him, it is entirely possible for the state budget for 2025 to remain within the 3% deficit, if "filling the piggy banks" is not allowed through excessive financing of state-owned enterprises and holdings.
He insisted on redirecting funds to the salaries of young doctors and health specialists, recalling the upcoming extraordinary session of parliament on Tuesday on this topic.
Regarding the introduction of the euro, Vassilev was categorical that "the process is absolutely irreversible" after the European Parliament's decision of July 8, regardless of the state of the budget this and next year.
The PP leader confirmed that the ALDE resolution on political arrests in Bulgaria was adopted unanimously. He announced that it was proposed to summon the foreign ministers of the EU countries and the Bulgarian ambassadors for talks on the topic, as well as to suspend payments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan to the justice system until "political prisoners are released".
Vassilev also commented on the prepared changes to the "household waste" fee. He warned that the country is on the verge of a serious sanction procedure by the EU due to the delayed implementation of the "polluter pays" principle.
According to him, the lack of an up-to-date population register further complicates the municipalities. MP Tatyana Sultanova added that mayors are responsible for the honest implementation of the principle so that citizens and businesses are not opposed.
Asen Vassilev visited Sliven at the invitation of activists and supporters of the party on the occasion of the city's holiday - Dimitrovden.