Lukoil Neftohim refinery under investigation in Burgas

The Regional Inspection of Environment and Water (RIOSV) in Burgas is conducting an investigation at the Lukoil Neftohim refinery following nearly 40 citizen reports regarding a suffocating smell of petroleum products and gas across the city.

Experts are examining technological processes, facility workloads, and compliance with operational permits, specifically looking at how the refinery manages unfavorable weather conditions that may impact air quality. Results will be announced once the inspection is complete.

Svetoslav Benchev, chairman of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association, stated that he had not been notified of any operational issues at the refinery and suggested that everything appeared to be functioning normally. He also addressed rising fuel costs, noting that while crude oil futures may seem lower, real delivery prices are significantly higher. He attributed diesel price increases to a shortage in Europe and the United States, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and damage to Russian refineries.