As of December 5, 2022, Bulgaria will ban exports of fuels made from Russian oil in Lukoil Neftohim Burgas. Bulgaria’s outgoing government adopted the measure under an EU regulation from June 3, 2022, which allowed the country to continue importing oil from Russia until December 31, 2024.

The EU agreed to ban the direct or indirect purchase, import, or transfer into the EU of crude oil or petroleum products originating in Russia. Hungary and Slovakia also benefit from a temporary exemption and continue to receive crude oil delivered by pipeline.

After December 5, fuels derived from Russian oil will be sold on Bulgaria’s domestic market only. The government has set up a working group consisting of representatives of the National Revenue Agency, the National Customs Agency and the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association to monitor the ban. According to the state authorities, the measure will lead to a reduction in fuel prices.