“Our primary objective and ambition is to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of operations at the Burgas refinery, which supplies 80 per cent of the fuels on the Bulgarian market.” This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, in the bTV programme “Why, Mr Minister”.
“It is of utmost importance for us that it continues to function,” Dilov emphasised. He noted that the valuation of this asset will most likely take more than 12 months.
Minister Dilov announced that there will be no fuel crisis in Bulgaria. According to him, all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a stable supply of fuels to the Bulgarian market. “As far as international prices are concerned, we are observing slight decreases in crude oil prices, so we certainly do not expect a crisis or any significant price increases,” he said.
The latest regulatory amendments concerning the appointment of a special manager were introduced to ensure continuity of operations and to align the legislation with the criteria required to obtain a derogation from the sanctions imposed on Lukoil by the United States administration, Dilov explained.
“The amendments to the law have been coordinated both with the European Commission and with our American partners. The next step is to appoint the special manager, who is appointed by the Council of Ministers,” the Minister of Economy said.
According to him, the United States is a strategic partner and the sanctions are not directed at either Bulgaria or Europe. “The purpose of the sanctions is to bring an end to a military conflict,” the minister added. He noted that the requested derogation will apply until any potential change of ownership and that a response will be given once the special manager has been appointed, as this person must guarantee that no funds will be transferred to Russia.
The minister also commented on the draft budget for 2026. Dilov stated that this is the only viable budget. “It is impossible to stay within the three per cent deficit threshold if we only increase expenditure without increasing revenue,” Dilov said, adding that the specific parameters will be discussed further next week. He emphasised that the current budget is the only one possible while still complying with the law. “We are obliged to adhere to the requirement for a three per cent deficit,” the minister explained.
The Minister of Economy stated that Bulgaria should join the eurozone with confidence and certainty, as it meets the exceptionally conservative criteria for accession.
In his view, the measures against unjustified price increases are working. He reminded that regulatory bodies have been given all the tools necessary to monitor and control prices on a daily basis.
Minister Dilov confirmed that Bulgaria’s defence industry is “in a renaissance”. He noted that the partnership with Rheinmetall integrates Bulgaria into a supply chain and said he had no concerns about environmental pollution, pointing out that similar factories in Germany and Switzerland operate fully in line with environmental impact assessments.
See more in the video – https://www.btv.bg/shows/zashto-gospodin-ministar/videos/zashto-gospodin-ministar-gost-e-petar-dilov.html