site.btaUPDATED Bulgarian Government Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios in Middle East Conflict, PM Gurov Says

The Bulgarian Government is preparing for the worst-case scenarios in the development of the conflict in the Middle East, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here on Friday. 

Earlier, a ceremony was held to present honorary awards to Ministry employees for their significant contribution to organizing and successfully carrying out the operation to evacuate Bulgarian citizens from the Middle East region and Iran. 

"We hope that developments will not be as bad, both for Bulgarian citizens and for security in the region as a whole," the Prime Minister also said. 

"In this regard, we currently do not have information that would concern us more than what we are already seeing happen," he added. 

Responding to a question about rising fuel prices as a result of the situation in the Middle East, Gurov said it had been very important to gather all available information within the working group from the security services, as well as from different ministries, regarding fuel reserves, purchased quantities and the refining process. 

The Prime Minister said that measures have been outlined for the people most vulnerable to the increase in fuel prices. These are about one million to one and a half million citizens with incomes currently being calculated by the Ministry of Finance based on information from the National Revenue Agency, he explained. 

These measures will be activated when prices exceed certain levels based on exchange fuel prices, Gurov said, adding that the assistance is planned to be provided on a monthly basis. 

Bulgarian citizens will not need to submit applications, as the funds will be transferred directly to their accounts, the Prime Minister noted.

At a press conference at the Council of Ministers on Thursday, the government announced specific measures to support the most vulnerable groups in society and businesses in connection with rising fuel prices.