Svetoslav Benchev on the derogation: The refinery must continue to operate

Oil from the Black Sea region provides an opportunity for rhythmic supplies, he said

“The refinery (“Lukoil”) must continue to work. Without a refinery in the country in any time frame, we will not be able to cope in the coming years solely with the import of finished products. In this sense, there must be certainty – what will happen made the refinery switch from one type of oil to another. In the business of fuel and petroleum products, it is not only Lukoil, there are many more companies in the country that cannot re-adjust in 24 hours. We must re-adjust to avoid collapse This was stated by Svetoslav Benchev from the Bulgarian Oil and Gas Association in the program “The Day Live” on NOVA NEWS.

The proposal to drop the derogation angered the DPS and PP, two ministers’ resignations were demanded

According to him, the worst option is for the refinery to stop – “then we will not talk about fuel prices, we will hope that there will be”, he explained. “Where we will get oil depends on what contracts the refinery owner will sign. Oil from the Black Sea region provides an opportunity for rhythmic deliveries to refineries. The distance from Novorossiysk to Burgas takes 36 hours. This has been done since the establishment of the refinery until today, if the oil has to pass through the Bosphorus, it will increase its price”, said Benchev.

About the changes in the industry, he described that for the second year no one wants to accept a single sentence for a change in the VAT Law – fuel retail outlets may not issue a paper receipt. Another serious issue we need to prepare for is the decision by the EU from 2026 to have emissions trading in transport, which means that transport companies pay quotas like coal plants. If the scheme is similar to the one for coal plants, a liter of fuel may become more expensive by 60-70 cents. Member states should prepare a detailed mechanism, he explained.

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