# Lukoil Neftohim refinery operations and pricing scrutiny

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lukoil-neftohim-refinery-operations-in-bulgaria
> Updated: 2026-10-11T01:57:26.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 6.

The Lukoil Neftohim refinery in Burgas, Bulgaria, continues to face scrutiny regarding environmental compliance and fuel pricing. The Regional Inspection of Environment and Water (RIOSV) previously investigated citizen reports of a “suffocating smell of petroleum products and gas.” 

On the economic front, the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has launched an expanded investigation into the wholesale fuel market. The probe examines gasoline and diesel price formation, delivery conditions, and the relationship between wholesale and retail prices. The CPC is demanding detailed data from Lukoil Bulgaria EOOD, Lukoil Neftohim Burgas AD, Saxa OOD, Bent Oil AD, Bulmarket DM EOOD, OMV Bulgaria OOD, Rompetrol Bulgaria EAD, and Insa Oil EOOD for the period between May 1 and September 28, 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Alexander Pulev has criticized former Lukoil special manager Rumen Spevov, accusing him of pursuing a “pseudo-social policy” that led the refinery toward a liquidity crisis. Pulev defended current manager Evgeni Simeonov, noting that while Bulgaria maintains some of the lowest fuel prices in the EU, this is a “half victory” because low prices do not offset the low purchasing power of Bulgarian households.

Regarding supply, Lukoil Neftohim Burgas stated that Bulgaria faces no risk of diesel shortages, as monthly production of 240,000 to 260,000 tons exceeds national consumption of up to 190,000 tons. This follows the Bulgarian Parliament’s September 23, 2026, decision to lift a temporary export ban on diesel and aviation fuel. Pulev noted that lifting the ban would provide liquidity for the refinery and the broader industry without causing market deficits.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Lukoil Neftohim Burgas ensures Bulgaria has sufficient diesel supply

Lukoil Neftohim Burgas confirms Bulgaria has sufficient diesel supplies, noting production exceeds domestic demand, following the parliamentary decision to lift export bans on petroleum products.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lukoil-neftohim-burgas-ensures-bulgaria-has-sufficient-diesel-supply

### 2026-09-28: Alexander Pulev criticizes former Lukoil manager over fuel pricing

Bulgarian Deputy PM Alexander Pulev criticized former Lukoil manager Rumen Spevov for unsustainable fuel pricing that caused liquidity issues, while defending current manager Evgeni Simeonov.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexander-pulev-criticizes-former-lukoil-manager-over-fuel-pricing

### 2026-09-28: Bulgaria's CPC investigates wholesale fuel pricing mechanisms

Bulgaria's Commission for Protection of Competition is investigating wholesale fuel pricing, demanding detailed cost and supply data from Lukoil and several other major fuel companies.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarias-cpc-investigates-wholesale-fuel-pricing-mechanisms

### 2026-09-25: Bulgarian regulator probes Lukoil fuel pricing

Bulgaria's Commission for Protection of Competition is investigating Lukoil's wholesale gasoline and diesel pricing mechanisms, requesting detailed cost and delivery data for a seven-day review period.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-regulator-probes-lukoil-fuel-pricing

### 2026-09-19: Lukoil Neftohim Burgas manager rejects using profits to subsidize fuel prices

Lukoil Neftohim Burgas manager Evgeni Simeonov stated that company profits cannot subsidize fuel prices without risking decapitalization, while supporting government excise tax reductions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lukoil-neftohim-burgas-manager-rejects-using-profits-to-subsidize-fuel-prices

### 2026-09-10: Lukoil Neftohim refinery under investigation in Burgas

Authorities in Burgas are investigating the Lukoil Neftohim refinery after dozens of reports of petroleum odors, while industry officials address rising diesel prices and market volatility.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lukoil-neftohim-refinery-under-investigation-in-burgas

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Cite as: Lukoil Neftohim refinery operations and pricing scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lukoil-neftohim-refinery-operations-in-bulgaria