Bulgaria maintains energy security with four-month fuel reserves

Bulgaria is experiencing a decrease in fuel prices, with diesel, gasoline, and propane-butane seeing recent reductions. According to Svetoslav Benchev, chairman of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association, the country maintains energy reserves sufficient for approximately four months in the event of an emergency.

While the Burgas refinery currently receives steady crude oil supplies via the Black Sea, Benchev noted that increased tensions in the Black Sea region have already led to higher insurance costs for shipping. A significant escalation could disrupt deliveries, potentially forcing the country to import finished petroleum products.

Regarding the broader energy landscape, MEP Tsvetelina Penkova stated that Bulgaria's energy system is well-balanced and does not expect shortages of electricity or natural gas. This comes despite European Commission calls for member states to reduce energy consumption due to high prices and low gas storage levels across Europe. Penkova emphasized that Bulgaria has implemented measures to utilize renewable energy and secure gas supplies to meet the needs of heating plants and industry.