The Bulgarian state is in intensive contact with key European partners and the United States, due to the complex situation around the refinery in Burgas, said the MP from the party "There is such a people" (ITN), Pavela Mitova, who chairs the Energy Committee in the National Assembly. This became clear in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), in the show "Sunday 150".
Against the backdrop of the tense situation in the Balkan Peninsula, the MP emphasized the need for a sober assessment of what is happening. According to her, we should not delude ourselves with assurances of calm. From the point of view of fuels for Bulgaria, Mitova assured that the situation is stable, as the country has sufficient quantities for months to come. She added that there are also additional reserves, which are located outside the borders of Bulgaria, but the current reserves are quite sufficient.
The main question that remains open is the future of the refinery in Burgas, Mitova stressed. With the imposed sanctions, she stated that it is necessary to conduct intensive talks with the American side in order to find optimal solutions for the continuation of its activity. "We must promptly resolve the issue of how the refinery will continue to function, because with the imposed sanctions we must hold talks with the American side to see what options there are for its continuation," she said.
To the question of whether Bulgaria has taken specific steps to obtain a derogation from the United States for the refinery, Mitova answered that inquiries had been made to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The inquiries included several different action options, and the country is awaiting the answers from the American side.
Regarding the possible appointment of a special manager at Lukoil, the MP noted that this option is among those discussed. "We must protect Bulgarian citizens, so we took the preventive measure to stop the export of diesel fuel and jet fuel both to the EU and to third countries," said Mitova. The decision to stop exports is a key measure to ensure internal stability and protect the interests of Bulgarian citizens.
In conclusion, the MP expressed hope that a final solution for the future of the refinery in Burgas will be found in the coming weeks.