"The extension that the US gave us means that the Bulgarian state has plenty of time to make the best of the situation. Several licenses were issued on the same day. But our license has the longest extension".
This was stated by a lecturer at the American University in Washington, Prof. Assen Assenov, on the show "This Morning" on bTV and added:
The most important thing is to maintain stability in the operation of the refinery and the supply of fuels to the Bulgarian economy, as well as the supply of income to the national budget through excise duties, value added tax, income tax, to maintain people's employment and to guarantee the stability of the Bulgarian oil market", said Asenov.
"Lukoil" is a company that has investors from all over the world. 50% is from American investment funds. In this sense, Lukoil should not be thought of as an arm of the Russian government. Yes, it is closely related to the Russian government, but it is a multinational company with a very complex structure, with its own interests and this sale should not be considered something simple, easy. Bulgaria should remember well the attempts to sell "Bulgartabac" - also a landmark company in the Bulgarian economy, and this lesson is too bitter," the professor also said.
We recall that last night the United States made an exception for Bulgaria from the sanctions against "Lukoil". The American Treasury Department said that it allows business with four companies. These are the refinery in Burgas, the network of gas stations, the aviation fuel producer and tax warehouses in Bulgaria. The postponement is until April 29 next year.
This situation came to this after the United States imposed strict sanctions on the Russian oil giant "Lukoil". This has raised concerns that if the Burgas refinery were to stop operating, Bulgaria's oil reserves would last only about 90 days, putting our country's energy security at risk.
Earlier today, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which is part of the US Treasury Department, issued a General License allowing transactions related to these four Bulgarian Lukoil companies.
Furthermore, US authorities emphasize that the exception for Bulgaria does not allow these companies to interact with the other sanctioned structures of "Lukoil" around the world.
"The reprieve that the US gave us means that the Bulgarian state has plenty of time to make the best of the situation. Several licenses were issued on the same day. But our license has the longest extension. The most important thing is to maintain stability in the operation of the refinery and the supply of fuels to the Bulgarian economy, as well as the supply of income to the national budget through excise duties, value added tax, income tax, to maintain people's employment and to guarantee the stability of the Bulgarian oil market," said Asenov.
"The sale of the company is also subject to a specific regime and requires permission from this very control of foreign assets. The sale of "Lukoil" is of strategic importance for Bulgaria from the point of view of its status and if it comes to a sale, Bulgaria must look for a strategic investor," said Asenov.