The Chairman of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association (BPGA), Svetoslav Benchev, stated that the situation with gasoline shortages at some gas stations in the country is normalizing. This comes after a week of complaints from consumers about the lack of fuel in certain locations.
Even if one gas station doesn't have the product, the next one does, so there is no gasoline crisis in the country and we can't talk about a shortage
Benchev explained to BTA. He emphasized that the quantities of mineral gasoline in Bulgaria are sufficient and even exceed the country's needs.
The expert revealed that the main problem in recent days is related to logistical difficulties in the delivery of bioethanol - an additive that is added to gasoline. According to Bulgarian legislation, 10% bioethanol must be added to gasoline fuels.
Benchev described the situation as a "perfect storm", caused by multiple factors. Among them are:
- The closure of a factory in Hungary
- Difficulties with customs tariffs
- Limited production of raw materials for bioethanol
- The lack of a suitable port in Bulgaria for importing larger quantities of bioethanol
Despite these challenges, the BPGA chairman expressed optimism that the situation is improving. "Deliveries are more or less normal, it will take some time, but things will probably normalize", he said.
Good news for consumers is that according to Benchev, the problems with bioethanol supply will not lead to an increase in fuel prices. He even noted that over the last month and a half, there has been a decrease in the price of gasoline by 1.5 percent and diesel by about 2 percent.
The situation has attracted public and media attention, as gasoline is a key resource for the country's transport and economy. Experts in the energy sector are closely monitoring the development of the situation and expect a full recovery of supplies in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. Additional measures are expected to be taken in the coming days to ensure the stability of the fuel market in Bulgaria.