Bulgaria fuel prices face potential rise amid shortages

Fuel prices in Bulgaria are facing upward pressure due to market shortages and political calls for government intervention. Asen Vassilev, leader of the 'We Continue the Change' party, has urged the government to reintroduce fuel discounts similar to those implemented in 2022 when oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel. Vassilev noted that current diesel and gasoline prices are significantly higher than in previous periods of similar oil costs, suggesting potential issues with pricing structures at refineries and gas stations.

Simultaneously, industry expert Dimitar Hadjimitrov predicts a noticeable increase in mass fuel prices over the next two to three weeks. He attributes this to a shortage of refined products and increased demand from international markets, including China. Hadjimitrov forecasts that diesel could reach approximately 2 euros per liter, while mass gasoline may rise to around 1.70 euros per liter, driven by wholesale price hikes and global market dynamics.