Ministry of Agriculture Predicts the Effects of the Middle East Crisis: Analysis and Measures for Bulgaria

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) is making economic forecasts about the effects of the situation in the Middle East, said caretaker Minister Ivan Hristanov on BNT.

According to Hristanov, the ministry is monitoring the effect of a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, analyzing short-term and long-term impacts on fertilizer prices, fuels, and inflation. The goal is to take preventative measures to protect Bulgaria.

The MAF is also analyzing the effects of possible military actions, focusing also on energy supplies. The minister noted that Bulgaria is not heavily dependent on gas and oil supplies from the Middle East.

Hristanov reiterated the official position of the caretaker government that there is no immediate threat to Bulgaria, emphasizing the benefits of membership in a defense alliance.

The minister also commented on a report of irregularities in a public procurement worth 45 million leva, where a company has absorbed 87 million leva and is preparing to absorb another 30 million. He accused the company of sabotaging the state, emphasizing that the cases are being investigated with the State Agency for National Security (DANS).