Deputy PM Poulev Expects Transparency, Professional Management, Strict Financial Discipline from New Special Administrator of Lukoil in Bulgaria

Diana Dukovska, BTA correspondent Galya Teneva

From left: Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova, Lukoil Neftohim Burgas Special Commercial Administrator Evgeni Simeonov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev, and Burgas Regional Governor Diko Dikov, Burgas, June 8, 2026 (BTA Photo/Hristo Stefanov)

Burgas, on the Black Sea,

08.06.2026 18:15

(BTA)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev officially introduced Evgeni Simeonov as the newly appointed special commercial administrator of the Lukoil assets in Bulgaria at a press conference at Lukoil Neftohim Burgas on Monday. Poulev said that transparency, professional management and strict financial discipline were expected of the new administrator, and expressed confidence that "Lukoil is in good hands".

Also attending the news conference were Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova and Burgas Regional Governor Diko Dikov.

Poulev said the government's key priorities are preserving, safeguarding and developing national sovereignty, protecting Bulgarian consumers and strengthening the energy system. The government is faced with the difficult task of seeking local solutions to global problems, he said, describing the energy sector as the clearest example in light of the current geopolitical upheavals.

The Economy Minister also said the International Energy Agency had described the current period as unprecedented in the history of the global energy sector. Against this backdrop, the government has taken decisive measures to strengthen Lukoil's economic models and ensure management with the necessary experience, expertise and capacity.

Poulev stressed that, through its extensive presence in the retail market, Lukoil largely determines fuel prices at the pump, making it critically important for the asset to be managed professionally and with full accountability to the government and Bulgarian citizens.

Introducing the new administrator, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Evgeni Simeonov was not a political appointment. He is an expert with proven experience within the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Industry, Poulev said, noting that Simeonov had worked there for over ten years and had risen to the position of President of the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance.

Among the new administrator's achievements, Poulev highlighted strengthened oversight of petrol stations and fuel quality, the prevention of a crisis linked to the widespread use of diluents - a problem that affected neighbouring countries - as well as increased revenue collection.

Simeonov's six-month development plan for Lukoil was unanimously approved by the Security Council and adopted as a matter of urgency by the Council of Ministers, said Poulev.

/RY/