Bulgaria boosts security at Lukoil refinery ahead of possible sale
Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria (photo: Getty Images)
Bulgarian authorities have decided to strengthen security measures and conduct inspections at the Lukoil refinery, as the state plans to take control of the facility, according to Reuters.
The head of the Bulgarian government stated that inspections and the readiness of the military police are being carried out in advance to protect essential facilities, including the oil refinery and other key structures.
The Council of Ministers' statement indicates that the state security agencies, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Defense have implemented additional measures to ensure security in the area surrounding the Lukoil facilities in Burgas.
An anti-drone system has been installed in the region, security compliance checks are being conducted, and the military police are ready to assist the Ministry of Interior.
US sanctions
A few weeks ago, the United States decided to strengthen sanctions against Russia. They targeted two Russian companies — Lukoil and Rosneft.
Against this background, the governments of Bulgaria and Romania are actively working to ensure that key refineries continue operating and that there are no disruptions in fuel supplies following the introduction of US sanctions against Russian companies.
The Bulgarian Parliament adopted a law allowing the appointment of an administrator for the Lukoil refinery in Burgas with the authority to manage the enterprise, sell it, or nationalize the asset.
In Romania, a decision on the future of the Petrotel Lukoil Refinery has not yet been made: the government is considering postponing the sanctions, while nationalization is viewed as a last resort.
Moldova has also demonstrated initiative by proposing to acquire Lukoil's assets, including an aviation fuel depot. It has requested that the United States postpone the introduction of sanctions against the country.
