US Treasury Extends License for Lukoil Asset Sale Until August 22

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) extended the deadline for permitted transactions involving Lukoil International GmbH to 00:01 CET on 22 August, as posted on the Treasury website and reported by Reuters. The extension follows sanctions that were imposed by former President Donald Trump in October 2025 as part of broader pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Lukoil has agreed with the U.S. investment firm Carlyle to sell its International subsidiary and is awaiting OFAC approval for the deal. The license also covers transactions related to the Russian company’s gas‑station network and its assets in Bulgaria, remaining effective until 29 October 2026. American authorities have repeatedly lengthened such licenses since the sanctions were first applied. Earlier in the day, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev spoke by phone with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Ray, emphasizing the importance of continuous operation of the Burgas refinery for Bulgaria and the region.