Neynski: Bulgaria is in a better position due to gas and oil supplies

Bulgaria is in a better position compared to other European countries in terms of gas and oil supplies because it relies to a much lesser extent on oil products through the Strait of Hormuz, as the main supplies pass through the Black Sea. This was stated by the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nadezhda Neynski, commenting on the conflict in the Middle East.

Bulgaria, as a member state of the EU, has guaranteed reserves, which create much greater peace of mind for the economy, the refinery of “Lukoil” processes crude oil. The problem comes from the prices, which we cannot influence, but the government is monitoring them and measures are being taken to combat speculation. The state's control in the area of preventing speculation is key. If oil prices become unaffordably high for businesses and households, the measures will be announced. A very serious analysis is being made and the government is prepared for all scenarios, she added.

There is no direct threat to our country, there is to the extent that every war represents a threat to world peace, she also said. When asked if there is a risk that Europe will pay the price of another conflict, Neynski pointed out that the pressure from Iran is for everyone to pay – the Middle East to pay through the war, through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, there is also talk of activating the Houthis, who will impede delivery channels. The way for pressure from Iran is through oil prices. There was an interesting proposal from Russia – the enriched uranium to be taken to Russia as a kind of guarantee to stop the war, something that the US has refused, because such an action opens up a number of questions that also represent a threat to world peace. “They even say that the war in Iran will be decided mainly in the Strait of Hormuz and whether the US will be able to, first of all, destroy these nuclear ballistic installations with which the Revolutionary Guard Corps is attacking, because the problem in Iran is whether the national leadership of Iran can control this Revolutionary Guard Corps”, added Neynski.

When asked whether there is a risk of an Iranian missile being aimed at Bulgaria, Neynski said that at this stage she believes that there is no such risk and this is the assurance from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the verbal side of the issue, and the practical side is that the importance of Bulgaria being a NATO member is seen, Neynski also said. According to her, the deficit that we still have in our defense system is the lack of missile defense. There are facilities in Northern Greece that protect Bulgarian territory, Neynski added.

Neynski also said that a meeting between her and the Greek Foreign Minister is scheduled for Monday in Brussels and these topics will be commented on again. A meeting with the US ambassador to NATO is also forthcoming and they will be able to hear their plans and assessments of the development of the conflict and will again reaffirm Bulgaria's desire to receive all guarantees for the safety of the people.

Regarding the American aircraft that are at “Vasil Levski” airport in Sofia, Neynski stressed that they are not being used for the war in the Middle East. The tanker aircraft are here under a note with commitments to NATO, and NATO is not a party to the war in the Gulf. These aircraft are here with a very clear mandate and there is no request for its change, she added.

When asked about the fact that the US officially lifted the sanctions on buying oil from Russia and whether this measure is reasonable, Neynski said that her answer coincides with what was said by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, that this will give a serious breath of air to Russia in the war against Ukraine, because, focused on the problems with oil and the war in the Gulf and the attempt to prevent the threat from Iran, we must not forget the other war. Russia and Iran are allies not only in the war in Ukraine, but also in the war in Iran, regardless of what is being said publicly, Neynski also said.

Regarding the main focus of the measures being considered by the caretaker government to prevent speculation with prices, Neynski said that the way “Lukoil” functions is being checked. At this stage, we have reserves regarding supplies, she assured and pointed out that we have long-term contracts with Azerbaijan and at the moment there is no reason to raise prices. If the conflict continues for too long and oil prices continue to rise, the government is ready with a package of measures.