Worldwide diesel fuel stocks are at a record low, leading to an inevitable increase in prices at gas stations. “The problem at the moment is the lack of diesel fuel worldwide, and there are many factors for this, including the relationship between the US and Iran and the attacks on Russian refineries”, commented Dimitar Hadzhidimitrov from the Association of Fuel Traders, Producers, Importers and Transporters in the program “Hello, Bulgaria” on "Nova TV".
According to the expert, a record for the past six years is currently being observed, expressed in the difference between the price of crude oil and the finished product. “The price of the raw material is around $90-92, but due to the inability of refineries to process sufficient quantities, diesel reaches over $1,300”, explained Hadjidimitrov.
According to him, the domestic market shows a clear trend in consumption. About 50% of the fuel used in our country is diesel, nearly 30% is gasoline, and 15% is gas. The main consumer of diesel fuel is business. Between 60 and 65 percent of diesel consumption is from transport, agriculture and the processing industry, the industry representative specified.
According to the expert, the forecasts for the coming days do not foresee a decrease in the price of the columns. “I do not see any signals that indicate that this will stop, rather a smooth increase will continue next week”, predicted Hadjidimitrov. He added that prices of nearly 1.90 euros per liter are already being observed at some central locations in Sofia, although in 90% of the countries in the European Union the price is over 2 euros.
“An interesting phenomenon is the behavior of drivers when prices rise. When the price rises sharply, consumers start to fill their tanks to the top because of rumors that fuel will rise even more”, the expert pointed out.
According to him, changes are also observed in global supply chains. The American economy is doing well, which leads to higher prices and increased demand, forcing the US to buy fuel from Asian markets such as Japan and South Korea. Against this background, Bulgaria has a serious advantage. “We are very benefited by having a refinery in Burgas, which guarantees us uninterrupted supplies”, concluded Hadzhidimitrov.