Bulgarians Join Balkan Protest Against Soaring Food Prices
Bulgaria has joined Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro in organizing protests against rising food prices
Bulgaria has witnessed the export of fuels amounting to approximately BGN 2.2 billion from January to August, as reported by "Capital," citing the National Statistical Institute. The primary exports consist of A95 gasoline, diesel shipments to Ukraine, and fuel oil, not on the prohibited list.
The largest proportion of fuel exports comprises A95 gasoline, with sales totaling BGN 1.155 billion for 998 cubic meters. Diesel follows, primarily destined for Ukraine, generating BGN 521 million from 325 thousand tons. Local wholesalers and warehouse owners are active players in this market, acquiring fuel mainly from the refinery. Notably, not all of the exported diesel originates from the Lukoil Neftohim refinery. For instance, Georgi Samuilov's "Insa Oil" imports fuel from Russia, processes it into diesel, and exports it to Ukraine after desulfurization.
Low-octane gasoline exports contributed BGN 154 million from 161 thousand cubic meters, while special gasoline accounted for BGN 257 million from 266 thousand tons. Additionally, fuel oil exports surpassed BGN 162 million.
Bulgaria's fuel export scenario drew attention following news of a two-year waiver from the European Commission regarding the import of Russian oil and fuels due to Bulgaria's reliance on Russian supplies and the unfavorable location of the Burgas refinery.
In November, "Politico" reported that Bulgaria was aiding in bypassing EU oil sanctions against Russia. The publication highlighted an extra €1 billion raised for the Ukraine conflict through Russia's major private oil company leveraging a "loophole" in EU sanctions - facilitated by Bulgaria - exporting domestically processed oil to third markets.
After parliamentary discussions and motions, the energy committee decided to phase out refined product exports from Russian oil starting January 1, 2024, and cease final oil imports from Russia on March 1, 2024.
For the ninth consecutive year (excluding 2022), the electrical industry remains the largest contributor to Bulgaria's exports, as reported by the Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (BASEL)
European natural gas prices have climbed above €55 per megawatt-hour for the first time in 16 months, driven by colder temperatures across the continent that are increasing demand for heating fuel
Serbian oil and gas company NIS, controlled by Russia’s Gazprom, is considering exiting its operations in Bulgaria and Romania due to ongoing difficulties in both markets
The Russian company Lukoil initiated the process of selling its Bulgarian assets in June last year, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced during a parliamentary hearing
In 2023, 10.6% of the population in the European Union reported being unable to keep their homes adequately warm
The Bulgarian government has announced a program to compensate businesses and non-household electricity subscribers for high energy costs until the end of March
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