site.btaFuels May Temporarily Rise in Price, Says Continue the Change Leader Assen Vassilev

Fuel prices in Bulgaria may temporarily increase for a month or two as global markets readjust, Continue the Change (CC) leader Assen Vassilev told journalists here on Sunday. 

According to Vassilev, Bulgaria will face a risk of fuel supplies interruptions if the issue with Lukoil is not resolved by November 21. He noted that sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil have already pushed up global oil prices, which could affect domestic fuel prices. “Whenever there is such a major market shift, prices usually rise for at least a month or two before stabilising,” he commented. The more concerning issue, he said, is ensuring Bulgaria’s actual fuel availability and security of supply. A review of the state reserve and storage facilities is currently under way.

He recalled that in 2023, during similar disruptions, contracts had been prepared for alternative non-Russian fuel supplies. “The State must have a plan. The largest storage facility belongs to Lukoil – that’s the biggest risk. If the sale to a non-Russian owner doesn’t take place, we could face supply issues,” Vassilev warned. He added as a positive sign that the port is now state-owned, allowing it to serve suppliers independent of Lukoil.

Commenting other economic topics, Vassilev said it is entirely possible for the 2025 state budget to remain within the 3% deficit limit, provided there is no unnecessary financing of state-owned enterprises and holdings. He called for redirecting funds toward salaries for young doctors and healthcare professionals, recalling that an extraordinary parliamentary session is scheduled for Tuesday on this issue.

On the introduction of the euro, Vassilev was firm that “the process is absolutely irreversible” following the European Parliament’s July 8 decision, regardless of this year’s or next year’s budgetary conditions.

The CC leader also confirmed that the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe resolution on political arrests in Bulgaria had been adopted unanimously. He said proposals had been made to summon EU foreign ministers and Bulgarian ambassadors for discussions on the matter, as well as to suspend payments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan to the judiciary until “the political prisoners are released.”

Vassilev further commented on the planned changes to the household waste fee, warning that Bulgaria is on the verge of a serious EU sanctions procedure due to delays in implementing the “polluter pays” principle. He pointed out that the lack of an updated population register further complicates the work of municipalities. MP Tatyana Sultanova added that mayors bear responsibility for introducing the principle fairly, so as not to create conflict between citizens and businesses.

Assen Vassilev visited Sliven at the invitation of party activists and supporters on the occasion of the city’s holiday, Saint Demetrius Day, celebrated on October 26.