Russian oil company Lukoil plans to sell its Bulgarian refinery
In Bulgaria, Russian oil giant Lukoil is considering selling the Burgas refinery, the largest in the Balkans on the Black Sea coast. The group complains of "discriminatory" measures taken by the pro-European Bulgarian government.
Oil barrels from the Russian firm Lukoil (Image Illustration). AFP - KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV
By: RFI Follow
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Russian Lukoil justifies the possible sale of the Burgas refinery by "the significant changes that have occurred in its environment". The thinly veiled reference is to the Bulgarian Government's measures against him. The latest decision to date was the adoption by Parliament in October of a 60% tax on the profits made by Loukoil.
In this context, Lukoil is offended by "the adoption by the Bulgarian authorities of discriminatory measures and other unjust and biased political decisions". Saying that it is "not subject to European sanctions", the company complains that it is the victim of a "political storm that is fabricated and that is harming its activities".
Bulgaria, historically very close to Moscow, has been seeking to free itself from its dependence on Russian gas and oil since a pro-European government came to power. The country, a member of the European Union and NATO, benefits from an exemption from the embargo imposed by the European Union on Russian crude until the end of 2024.
In addition to the oil needed for Bulgarian consumption, Lukoil has the right to export petroleum products to Ukraine, and to a lesser extent to Europe. However, this derogation will expire by next March, according to a recent proposal by the Parliament that is due to be ratified in the coming weeks
But the opposition questions the country's ability to live without the Russian oil giant. The Lukoil Group has had a virtual monopoly in Bulgaria for 20 years. It has a total of 220 petrol stations, 9 oil depots and remains essential for certain sectors. For example, it is the only supplier of fuel to Bulgarian aircraft.
(with AFP)
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