The fate of the Lukoil group in Bulgaria depends on the negotiations between the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said in the program “Sunday 150” on BNR. He emphasized that the fate of Lukoil and Rosneft is a function of these negotiations, noting that the Bulgarian government complies with the sanctions and measures of OFAC to allow the refinery to operate.
If the sanctions are extended, the Prime Minister indicated that the state could buy the refinery, but everything depends on the necessary licenses from the United States. Zhelyazkov also commented on geopolitical understandings of the world's structure and the need to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
Regarding “Lukoil Neftohim,” he noted that the refinery has reduced production due to low oil prices and the war in Ukraine, which has led to losses and a decrease in revenues for the state budget.
Zhelyazkov mentioned the four Lukoil companies in Bulgaria: “Neftohim Burgas,” “Lukoil Bulgaria,” “Lukoil JET,” and “Lukoil Bunker.” He explained that the legislation was adopted to ensure the functioning of the refinery within the framework of the sanctions policy, with the funds from its operation not to go to Russian-related enterprises.