Lukoil Neftochim, the Burgas-based refinery of the Russian oil giant, will have to pay BGN 100 000 (EUR 50 000) after Wednesday's gasoline spill in the areas, officials say.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of Environment, pollution and violation of activity permits owned by the company are what motivates the decision.

The incident affected negatively the environment in the area around Dolno Ezerovo, a district of the Black Sea city of Burgas, but there is no risk for the locals, authorities say.

Some 30-40 tonnes of A-95 gasoline spilled from a ruptured Lukoil Neftochim pipeline.

Additional fines might be slapped if endangered species are found after an inspection that is due to be carried out with a local administration-related watchdog. 

In a press statement, Lukoil earlier explained it was looking into the version of fuel theft that might have broken the pipeline.

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