The "Lukoil" refinery in Burgas, a leading figure in the economy, is emerging as the largest taxpayer. It is closely linked to over three thousand other companies, forming a complex network of business relationships. According to recent data, the total export from the refinery amounts to an impressive four billion leva, with about one and a half billion leva returning to the country.
The question of the government's ban on fuel exports provoked sharp criticism. Closing the doors to foreign markets will cost the national budget approximately one hundred million leva each month. This opinion was expressed by Alexander Nikolov, former Minister of Energy, in an interview for the BTV television channel.
"In the behavior of the ruling authorities, who made the decision to temporarily ban the export of diesel and aviation fuel, there are alarming measures. For me, the decision to introduce a temporary measure to ban exports is very alarming. The way it is described has many strange details," said Nikolov.
He emphasized the alarming situation, noting that the head of the "Customs" Agency will have the decisive word on when the export exceptions will be applied. In addition, the ban is already in force, while the state still has five days to check its reserves.
Nikolov explained that "Lukoil" has two main options for lifting the sanctions: either they will be removed with the end of the conflict in Ukraine, or the refinery will change its owner.
Against the background of these events, the expert warned that the market does not tolerate a vacuum, especially when prices are on an upward trend.
"The export ban will push prices down in our country and inflate them abroad. These are conditions for smuggling," he warned.
Furthermore, Alexander Nikolov raised the critical question of whether the state has its representative in the refinery in Burgas or not.
"How is it possible that for 11 days the state cannot get into its shoes for "Lukoil". Every liter of oil that enters Bulgaria has clear traceability - whether there are shortages, to whom it is sold and where the fuel goes. All this cannot be hidden," he added.
In conclusion, Nikolov expressed his strong conviction that the situation around "Lukoil" has a pronounced nuance of hidden intent. "It stinks terribly" of a specific order of what to do with "Lukoil", summarized the former energy minister.