It is very important to say that in Bulgaria the increase in fuel prices is more moderate. Fuel prices in the European Union have increased by 29.1%, and in Bulgaria they have increased by 9.5% for diesel and by just over 6.5% for A95 gasoline. Bulgaria maintains relatively low fuel prices and growth in Bulgaria will accelerate and catch up with fuel prices in the EU.
This was stated to the Bulgarian National Radio by energy expert Martin Vladimirov from the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) regarding fuel prices.
He explained that crude oil prices have increased dramatically - by over $100 per barrel, considering that yesterday and today tensions continue to escalate. In the new week, we may see higher crude oil prices of over $110 per barrel, the energy expert pointed out.
Alexander Nikolov: There is no plan B for the Burgas refinery
According to him, it is currently very difficult for Bulgaria to obtain fuel
We are clearly moving towards scenarios with much greater impacts on oil and energy infrastructure," warned Martin Vladimirov, specifying that we are moving towards scenarios of $150 per barrel due to the war in Iran.
Martin Vladimirov pointed out that Bulgaria has much greater freedom to pressure the profit margin of the Burgas refinery in order to calm the price of fuel. That is where the measures should be directed, while keeping the price with ceilings could lead to a fuel shortage, the energy expert added.
According to him, measures should be worked on to reduce fuel consumption, such as free public transport for a few weeks.
Martin Vladimirov added that if the war ends in the next few days, the world will return to normality and there will be no major effects on the economy of Bulgaria and Europe.
A fund will protect us from high fuel prices
It is proposed to develop a program to support the most affected sectors
"There is no prospect of the war in Iran ending soon, unfortunately", he said. Vladimirov is of the opinion that due to the war in Iran, energy-intensive industries will become more expensive, the price of natural gas will increase significantly, as well as transport services, the glass industry, the fertilizer industry, etc.
He called on the state not to take panicky steps. Vladimirov is skeptical that Bulgaria will go in the opposite direction to lift Russian sanctions. "It is time to take a firm position that this commitment to European partners will not be canceled", Martin Vladimirov appeals.
The energy expert commented on the contract with "Botaş" and stated that if it is renegotiated, we can transport liquefied natural gas.
"Botaş" is the real natural gas hub in the region, it has a huge capacity for liquefied natural gas and these quantities "Botaş" wants to control and resell to huge targets in Europe. Bulgaria could become a hidden Trojan horse of gas. We should not make this strategic mistake and we should rethink the price at which natural gas will be traded, Martin Vladimirov urged.