Lukoil: Premature refusal to import Russian oil threatens the stability of the refinery's work and creates risks in the fuel market

The decision discussed in the National Assembly for an early refusal to import Russian oil threatens the stability of the work of the largest refinery in the Balkans, LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas, and creates risks in the fuel market in the country. This is stated in Lukoil's position regarding the earlier decision of the Parliament.

The European Commission's decision to exempt Bulgaria from the embargo until the end of 2024 took into account the objective logistical limitations of the country's ports to accept oil from other countries and took into account that a sharp ban on supplies could deal a serious blow to energy security and the economy of Bulgaria, the company reminds.

Through the postponement of the ban on the import of Russian oil, "LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas" offers the cheapest fuels in the European Union, paying large taxes to the budget of the Republic of Bulgaria.

At the same time, the company developed a plan for a timely phased transition to alternative sources of crude oil. Our proposals were presented within the deadline set by the Ministry of Energy, and agreed with all the governments that were at the head of the country during that period.

The plan guarantees a replacement of crude oil before the expiry of the derogation granted by the EC; guarantees access to quality fuels at an acceptable price for Bulgarian citizens, business and budgetary organizations after changing the raw material; guarantees job security and income for refinery workers and protects them from man-made accidents with environmental and other consequences. The plan fully complies with the applicable Bulgarian and European legislation, Lukoil also notes.

We are alarmed by the actions of those MPs who are sabotaging its implementation, trying to overturn decisions of the European Union. Please note that the proposed 30-day period for changing the raw material source is unrealistic for implementation. In such conditions, we cannot fully guarantee the normal operation of the enterprise, as we have continuously provided for the last 25 years. Under these circumstances, all fuel consumers will lose out, the company concludes.