SOFIA – Bulgaria can take over operation of Russian firm Lukoil’s Neftochim Burgas refinery for as much as a yr, lawmakers selected Friday in a vote geared toward defending important infrastructure and making certain gasoline provides for the Balkan nation.
The 196,000 barrel per day refinery, the largest gasoline producer in Bulgaria, has switched to processing solely Russian crude after the nation was granted an exemption from the European Union’s ban on imports of Russian oil over the invasion of Ukraine.
Beneath the exemption to the tip of 2024, the refinery can not export fuels or oil merchandise from Feb. 5 – with exception of deliveries to Ukraine. The refinery also can export by-products that can not be safely saved in Bulgaria and will pose an environmental hazard.
Lukoil Neftochim has beforehand stated it could possibly be compelled to close down if it can not export its output.
Beneath Bulgaria’s authorized adjustments authorized by a vote of 141-24, the financial system minister can appoint a particular commerce consultant to take operational management of the refinery if there are threats to nationwide safety or to the provision of important sources.
“The authorized adjustments will make Bulgaria a powerful and enough nation that would intervene if a important state of affairs happens,” stated Martin Dimitrov, a senior member of the anti-graft Democratic Bulgaria occasion.
A particular consultant can be appointed if the refinery breaches competitors guidelines or European Union sanctions.
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