The Bulgarian government has declared two companies from the Lukoil group as objects related to national security in an effort to maintain state control over key fuel operations and prevent possible disruptions on the energy market.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Pulev announced that the Council of Ministers approved the decision during a closed session. The companies affected are Lukoil Aviation Bulgaria and Lukoil Bulgaria Bunker, which are responsible for aviation and marine fuel supplies.
The move is part of an anti-crisis plan aimed at ensuring operational control over Lukoil’s activities in Bulgaria and reducing risks for the operation of the Burgas refinery and the domestic fuel market.
“The government respects private property, the government respects private interests, but is guided solely and primarily by the interests of Bulgarian citizens, Bulgarian households and consumers,” Pulev said.
The minister said the decision was taken in response to recent legislative changes concerning Lukoil, known as the “30-second Lukoil law,” which were later declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. According to Pulev, the court’s decision is expected to enter into force in the coming days.
