The Bulgarian Government is considering requesting exemptions from the new American sanctions against Lukoil, the largest private oil company in Russia, according to sources cited by Politico.
The Sofia Executive fears that the American sanctions will cause severe fuel shortages and protests throughout the country.
Bulgaria hosts the Burgas refinery, owned by Lukoil, which supplies up to 80% of the country’s fuel. President Donald Trump announced last week sanctions against the two largest oil producers in Russia, Rosneft and Lukoil, prompting several EU countries where the Russian companies operate to take steps to obtain exemptions.
The Bulgarian government reportedly asked Washington how it should proceed to request an extension of the date of application of the sanctions, which are due to come into effect on November 21.
The government is worried that the sanctions could force the refinery to cease operations, which would cause widespread fuel shortages and protests.
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