In Bulgaria, fuel prices are not changing for now, and the international crude oil market remains under the influence of news about the tension between the US and Iran. This was explained on BNT by Svetoslav Benchev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Oil and Gas Association. The expert warned of a significant gray sector, which affects about 17% of diesel in the country.
"In Bulgaria, the trend in fuel prices is zero. There is no movement up or down. Otherwise, with regard to international markets, there are two important words: “armada“ and “deal“. Thanks to them, crude oil prices go up when you say "armada" and down when you say "deal". This morning we observed that they went down sharply, by about 4%, after they had risen to about 70 dollars per barrel, and today it is about 66 dollars. So, in general, things are normalizing, because there are no indications of a serious increase in the crude oil price, at least at the moment. Since all analysts, including me, expect an overproduction of oil this year, there is no reason to worry that prices will go up. ", said Benchev.
According to the expert, fluctuations in international markets, unless they are long-term, do not affect the price stability of fuels in our country.
– The trend is very unstable - two or three days up, two or three days down, which in our market is not significantly affected. For a serious change in the price of fuel in the country, we should see an increase or decrease within 10-15 days. If nothing extraordinary happens and the armada does not strike Iran and there are no other unforeseen factors, I do not expect a serious increase in the prices of crude oil and, accordingly, fuels.", he also said.
Global oil consumption has been decreasing in recent years, while production is higher.
An analysis by the Center for the Study of Democracy shows that there is a serious gray fuel sector in our country, with the damage it causes being about 350 million euros.
"This figure means that about 17% of diesel in the country is sold without paying taxes and excise duties. This is about 690 million liters per year. The study was conducted with the active cooperation of the National Revenue Agency and the “Customs“ Agency and shows the reality of the problem.", Benchev is categorical.
According to him, the control is not complete - electronic systems can be broken, and some operators manipulate the reports. The problem is systemic and solutions must be sought, such as removing the manipulated systems from the market, Benchev emphasized.
"The average price for gasoline fuels in our country is 1.23 euros. That is, a price of 98 cents, indicates that something has not been paid along the chain and this is probably both excise duty and VAT. The other option is for these to be non-market practices, because it cannot be sold below cost," he said.
Benchev warned that by refueling at lower prices, consumers should know that quality is not guaranteed.
Regarding the export of fuels, Benchev noted: "The National Assembly continues not to lift this export ban, this creates huge problems for business, since we cannot export either to the EU or outside it. The domestic market is fully satisfied and the refinery is starting to operate at optimal parameters."