[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [BUSINESS]

9 clusters · 22 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

Bulgarian fuel price and taxation policies

Overview

Bulgaria has maintained some of the lowest fuel prices in the European Union through national tax policies and minimum excise duties. While gasoline and diesel prices remain low compared to neighbors like Greece, the market is vulnerable to international volatility and geopolitical tensions. To combat rising costs, the government has implemented measures such as removing the excise tax on propane-butane, providing subsidies for low-income citizens, and allocating 170 million euros for agricultural support.

In September 2026, the Bulgarian Parliament approved amendments to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act, introducing a zero excise tax on natural gas and LPG for motor fuel from October 1 through December 31, 2026. During this period, the National Assembly lifted a temporary ban on the export and domestic supply of diesel and aviation fuel. As of early October 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Alexander Pulev guaranteed that citizens would have the lowest fuel prices in Europe, citing a 300 million euro support package.

By October 10, 2026, political debate intensified as GERB leader Boyko Borisov proposed reducing VAT on fuels from 20% to 9% to lower prices by approximately 40 euro cents per liter, while also calling for an end to oil exports. In response, Pulev stated that while VAT adjustments are being considered, they must be mathematically evaluated due to their impact on public finances. Meanwhile, Lukoil Neftohim Burgas reported no immediate risk of a diesel shortage, noting that production exceeds domestic consumption. Svetoslav Benchev of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association confirmed the country maintains approximately four months of energy reserves, though he warned that Black Sea tensions have increased shipping insurance costs.

Entities

Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association · Alexander Pulev · Bulgaria · Progressive Bulgaria · Lukoil Neftohim Burgas

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 10 sources
    Boyko Borisov proposes fuel VAT cut and export ban

    GERB leader Boyko Borisov proposes cutting fuel VAT from 20% to 9% and halting oil exports to combat rising prices and potential shortages in Bulgaria.

  2. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Bulgaria maintains energy security with four-month fuel reserves

    Bulgaria reports stable energy security with four months of fuel reserves and declining fuel prices, despite potential shipping risks in the Black Sea and European calls for energy conservation.

  3. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Bulgaria's Alexander Pulev guarantees lowest fuel prices in Europe

    Bulgarian Deputy PM Alexander Pulev guarantees the country will have Europe's lowest fuel prices through 300 million euros in support measures amid the global energy crisis.

  4. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Bulgarian Consumer Protection Commission investigates fuel markups

    Bulgaria's CCP found that while gasoline and diesel markups have decreased, propane-butane markups rose by 20% during recent inspections of 200 gas stations.

  5. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Bulgarian propane-butane prices expected to drop by 4-5 cents

    Bulgarian fuel prices may see a relief as propane-butane is expected to drop by 4-5 cents per liter, depending on new monthly international quotations.

  6. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Bulgaria lifts export ban on diesel and aviation fuel

    Bulgaria has lifted a ban on diesel and aviation fuel exports. Former Energy Minister Aleksandar Nikolov warns that lifting the restriction does not guarantee lower fuel prices without specific state mechanisms

  7. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Bulgaria approves zero excise tax on natural gas and LPG

    Bulgaria's Parliament approved a zero excise tax on natural gas and LPG for motor fuel from October 1 to December 31, 2026, to combat rising energy costs driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions.

  8. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Bulgaria to remove propane-butane excise tax to lower fuel prices

    Bulgaria is removing the propane-butane excise tax and introducing targeted subsidies for low-income citizens and essential transport sectors to mitigate rising fuel costs.

  9. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Bulgaria maintains among the lowest fuel prices in Europe

    Bulgaria offers some of the lowest fuel prices in the EU, with A-95 gasoline at 1.60–1.63 euros per liter, significantly cheaper than neighboring Greece and much of Western Europe.

Sources

actualno.com · blagoevgrad24.bg · breaking.bg · burgas24.bg · burgasmedia.com · clubz.bg · crimes.bg · e-vesti.co.uk · fakti.bg · forbesbulgaria.bg · moreto.net · pbnovini.com · petel.bg · pik.bg · plovdiv24.bg · ruse.news · safenews.bg · standartnews.com · varna24.bg · vesti.bg · viaranews.com · zonanews.bg

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history