Bulgaria Offers Emergency Fuel Oil Aid to North Macedonia Amidst Energy Crisis

Bulgaria is offering emergency deliveries of fuel oil (mazut) to the Republic of North Macedonia in connection with the declared state of emergency there due to difficulties in the supply of energy carriers. This was announced by the press service of the Council of Ministers.

By order of the caretaker Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, the caretaker Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov has carried out an inspection of the fuel oil stocks in the country. The inspection established that there are sufficient quantities on the territory of Bulgaria to cover domestic needs.

Based on this information, the caretaker Bulgarian government has sent a proposal to the Republic of North Macedonia for emergency assistance through deliveries of fuel oil. The proposal was made during a telephone conversation between the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev and the Foreign Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Timcho Mutsunski.

The Bulgarian side has expressed its readiness to assist in securing the necessary quantities while respecting the available technical and logistical capabilities. During the conversation, it was emphasized that the offered assistance is an expression of good neighborliness and solidarity, and aims to support energy security and stability in the region.

The proposal was made after the government of the Republic of North Macedonia declared a state of emergency in the country last night due to difficulties in the supply of fuels. The reason is the blockade of the border crossings with the Republic of Greece by Greek farmers, which hinders the import of energy carriers and raw materials.