Bulgaria will run out of gasoline and diesel in 35 days

Bulgaria’s fuel supply is approaching a point where uncertainty is beginning to carry a different weight. Reports from Sofia have trickled out slowly, at first sounding like yet another technical consequence of international sanctions.

It has since become clear that the country could be without gasoline and diesel within 35 days, as key supplies may be cut off once U.S. sanctions against Russian energy giant Lukoil take effect.

The development hits a country where around three million vehicles depend on fuel stations staying open.

Authorities still believe there is some buffer. Bulgaria operates a refinery in Burgas, which for many years has been central to the country’s fuel supply.

However, the government notes that the current situation cannot be resolved simply by increasing production. Much of the infrastructure is controlled by Lukoil, leaving the system vulnerable.

The Bulgarian news agency BTA reports that the country has 35 days of gasoline and 50 days of diesel in reserve, while energy analysts say, according to Reuters, that uncertainty is likely to grow as the pipeline network becomes affected by the sanctions.

The government is scrambling for a solution

In Sofia, Parliament has already approved a plan that would allow the state to take over Lukoil’s operations and sell them to an operator with no direct ties to Russia. The plan has been described as a way to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Energy expert Martin Vladimirov says: “The government needs to activate these agreements quickly; otherwise, it will be difficult to bring fuels into the country.” He notes that half of the finished products are currently stored in other EU states.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov is also working to secure approval from OFAC, the U.S. sanctions authority. He says the market remains well supplied, but stresses that the Burgas refinery can only continue operating if the United States grants a temporary exemption. The situation has already pushed Bulgaria to impose a temporary export ban on diesel and other fuel products.

Conflicting messages spark debate

Although several government sources speak of a 35-day window, officials are also attempting to calm public concern. Stankov says gasoline stocks could last up to six months, and he estimates that diesel reserves could cover almost four months.

He emphasizes that contingency plans are constantly being updated to secure the supply. “We are continuously working to prevent bottlenecks,” he says.

Bulgaria can still obtain additional supplies through alternative entry points, and the state maintains its own reserves through obligated companies.

The government has also appointed a special manager to ensure that the fuel supply does not collapse if Lukoil becomes unable to maintain operations.