site.btaBulgaria Offers Emergency Fuel Supplies to North Macedonia Amid Energy Crisis

By order of outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, outgoing Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov conducted an inspection of fuel oil reserves in Bulgaria, which confirmed that the country has sufficient quantities to meet domestic needs. Based on these findings, the outgoing Bulgarian government offered emergency supplies of fuel oil to the Republic of North Macedonia to support that country following the state of emergency declared there on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers said here on Wednesday.

The Bulgarian proposal follows the declaration of a state of emergency in North Macedonia due to fuel supply disruptions caused by a blockade of border crossings with Greece by Greek farmers, which has hindered the import of fuels and raw materials. 

Bulgaria's offer was communicated during a phone call between outgoing Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and his counterpart in Skopje, Timco Mucunski, at the direction of Prime Minister Zhelyazkov. Bulgaria expressed readiness to assist in supplying the necessary quantities within technical and logistical capabilities.

During the conversation, both sides emphasized that the assistance reflects good neighbourly relations and solidarity, and is aimed at ensuring energy security and stability in the region.