The announced package of measures to combat high fuel prices will not result in price reductions for any Bulgarian family. This was stated by Asen Vasilev, chairman of "We Continue the Change," during the "Panorama" program on Bulgarian National Television.
According to Vasilev, out of the total 300 million euros announced by the government, only 30 million will actually reach people receiving social assistance. "500 thousand people will receive 50 euros each to offset the price—given that diesel is currently 2 euros per liter—effectively receiving one tank of fuel. This will be until the end of the year. What happens after that? 100 million euros go to farmers. However, this 100 million euros is given directly as a subsidy per liter of fuel used in agricultural machinery; in other words, it goes to large-scale farmers involved in grain production, as they are the ones with heavy mechanization," the PP leader explained.
The chairman of "We Continue the Change" recalled that as early as the beginning of April, he had warned of the need for an anti-crisis package in the 2026 budget. He pointed out that the situation is a result of natural gas issues and the conflict in Iran, as well as the bombing of terminals in Odesa, which affects grain production. According to him, Ukraine and Russia provide 20% of global grain exports, which impacts the markets.
Vasilev also provided a breakdown of the country's budget deficit, noting that it was 3% in 2022, 2% in 2023, and is 3% in 2024. He added that Bulgaria experienced a similar combination of problems in 2022, when Kiril Petkov's caretaker cabinet adopted a budget update four months after its initial passage.
The package of over 300 million euros, announced by the government at the Council of Ministers building in Sofia, provides for a one-time support of 50 euros for low-income individuals and families below the poverty line. The measures include the removal of the excise tax on propane-butane, targeted subsidies for public, student, and medical transport, as well as support for agricultural producers.
Decisions regarding fuel measures and social assistance will have a direct impact on the expenses and budgets of households in Burgas and the region.
At the end of his statement, Asen Vasilev also commented on the upcoming presidential elections. "Bulgarian citizens must decide who is the person capable of being a strong, independent, and responsible president of Bulgaria," he said.