Drop in Gasoline Prices Expected Soon, Says Georgi Klisurski

Caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klysurki stated that he expects a drop in gasoline prices in the foreseeable future.

The prices on international oil markets have already decreased by 15-20 percent as a result of the two-week truce agreement between the US and Iran, so now I expect a drop in prices at gas stations in the foreseeable future, Klysurki said at a briefing after a cabinet meeting.

The de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is the surest way out of the price shock we are currently observing. Nevertheless, we have provided funds - up to 18 million euros for intercity transport, mainly for lines in small municipalities, inter-village municipalities, mountainous areas, as well as 2.5 million euros for school buses, he pointed out.

According to him, with this, the cabinet has already activated several of the six main measures aimed at the transport industry - postponing the increase in toll fees from April 1, which means about 30 million euros will remain in this industry, mainly aimed at smaller businesses and carriers who use lower environmental category transport vehicles. Klysurki also recalled the possibilities for deferring leasing through the Bulgarian Export Insurance Agency.

Bulgaria has notified state aid for the transport industry in the amount of 50 million euros, Klysurki also said. Regardless of the situation, we will take adequate actions aimed at the sectors and citizens who are most in need, the finance minister added.