Although it enjoys derogations and can import Russian oil by sea and pipeline until the end of 2024 G., Bulgaria cannot sell its oil products to buyers in other EU member states or in third countries. However, we can export some refined products to Ukraine, derived from oil imported on the basis of these derogations, including through transit through other EU countries if necessary.
These provisions are contained in the ninth package of sanctions against Russia adopted by the EU Council yesterday, seen by a BNR correspondent in Brussels.
“The ninth package of sanctions against Russia, adopted by the EU, can limit refinery operations “Lukoil Neftohim Burgas” in Bulgaria. This was reported to TASS today by one of the heads of the enterprise, Ilshat Sharafutdinov, BTA reported. “We are now analyzing the situation and holding consultations”, said Sharafutdinov.
Among the products, which can be exported to Ukraine, and only up to certain volumes, are gas oil, light oils and preparations, mineral turpentine, aviation gasoline for engines, gasoline for engines, jet fuel, friend kerosene, heavy oils, petroleum oils, heavy fuels. For Bulgaria, the export of these products is also permitted due to the need to limit environmental and safety risks.
From 5 February, the Bulgarian authorities can allow under conditions, which they consider relevant, the sale, the delivery, the transfer and export to Ukraine of the mentioned oil products. They can do it, if they judge, that the products are intended only for use in Ukraine or that with the sale, the delivery, the transfer or export is not intended to circumvent the sanctions.
Bulgaria is obliged to notify the other member states and the European Commission within two weeks of the granting of the permit.
On 5 December the government allowed the “LUKoil” to continue to export petroleum products to 5 March, produced by Russian oil, since he thinks, that the derogation does not prohibit exports. “We do not have an answer from the European Commission yet”, once again announced this morning the Economy Minister Nikolay Stoyanov, and so the refinery continues to export. Apparently according to the 9th package of sanctions this can only last until 5 February.
Source: https://www.segabg.com/node/234960