Lukoil

Russian energy giant Lukoil has announced plans to sell its largest asset in the Balkans, the refinery in Burgas, Bulgaria, to a Qatari-British consortium by the end of the year, marking a significant shift in Moscow's influence over energy supplies in Southeastern Europe, as reported by the Financial Times.

The fee for the transfer of Russian gas through Bulgaria has been waived. The parties that support the government have agreed on this. On the sidelines of the parliament, WCC-DB co-chair Kiril Petkov pointed out:

Finance Minister Asen Vassilev affirmed Bulgaria's stance on any potential sale of Lukoil, emphasizing that if such a sale were to occur, it must involve a transparent and strategic investor. Vassilev's comments, made to Nova TV, were in response to reports indicating Lukoil's contemplation of selling its Bulgarian business.

Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Asen Vassilev, addressed concerns about potential fuel shortages following "Lukoil's" deliberations on selling its business in the country. The reassurance came during Vassilev's visit to the "Capitan Andreevo" border crossing alongside European Commissioner Mareid McGuinness, as reported by BTA.

Lukoil has announced a strategic review of its Bulgarian ventures due to significant alterations in conditions. The private oil corporation indicated a potential sale of its business among various options being considered, as stated in their announcement on Tuesday.

Black Sea tankers traveling with crude oil for "Lukoil" from Novorossiysk to the "Rosenets" terminal near the Bulgarian city of Burgas are a legitimate military target of the Ukrainian army. This became clear from the words of Volodymyr Zelensky's economic advisor Oleg Ustenko.

"The option of transporting Ukrainian grain by train through Bulgaria to Greek ports is being discussed", announced Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov after returning from a visit to Greece, where he spoke with his colleague Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The coalition "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) submitted this morning a draft decision to the National Assembly, with which the Port of Rosenets returns to the control of the Bulgarian state.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov speaks at a-post-election press conference in Sofia, 5 April 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The prosecution says there is now incriminating evidence that Bulgaria's PM for much of the time from 2009 to 2021 provided third parties with funds - acquired from crime - to purchase and rent real estate abroad. 

In the past year, Ukraine bought a huge amount of fuel from Bulgaria, which was produced from Russian oil. This is according to the data of the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, provided to EURACTIV Bulgaria.