The state, all Bulgarian citizens and businesses are fully supplied with fuel. No problems are expected with fuel deliveries in Bulgaria, including those of diesel, petrol and propane-butane. Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov assured this at a briefing following a meeting with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov regarding the rising tensions in the Middle East.

Mr. Stankov dismissed reports suggesting that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to sharp price increases. 'The Bulgarian state is not so directly dependent on supplies from this region,' he emphasised. He also noted that a shipment currently en route to Bulgaria has already departed from the region and is expected to arrive in Burgas Bay within a few days.

Future deliveries to the Burgas refinery are also secured from other sources. According to the minister, fuel prices at petrol stations have fluctuated by between 1-3 euro cents.

No problems are expected with natural gas deliveries either.