site.btaGovernment Preparing Measures to Support Vulnerable Groups amid Fuel Price Increases, PM Rumen Radev Says

The Government is preparing a package of measures to support public transport, emergency medical services, school transport and Bulgarian citizens most vulnerable to rising fuel prices, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said during a briefing he held with his visiting Czech Czech counterpart Andrej Babis.

Radev noted that the conflict in the Middle East was driving up energy prices and affecting consumer prices. Bulgaria is working with the European Commission and neighbouring countries to increase the capacity for transporting energy resources from the Gulf states to Europe by land, while risks related to the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect maritime deliveries. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her State of the Union speech earlier in the day that a Regional Connectivity Summit will be organised with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria.

Radev said fuel prices in Bulgaria are among the lowest in Europe but noted that living standards are also among the lowest. The measures are expected to be announced and implemented soon.

The opposition Vazrazhdane party called on Wednesday for a reduction in value added tax (VAT) on fuels, while Yes, Bulgaria Co-Chair and Democratic Bulgaria MP Ivaylo Mirchev proposed that fuel compensation be provided to all motorists.