Bulgaria Repeals Ban on Petroleum Product Exports

The National Assembly of Bulgaria voted on September 23, 2026, to repeal a temporary ban on the export and intra-community supply of petroleum products, specifically diesel and aviation fuel. The restriction had been active since October 31, 2025, as a measure to protect domestic energy security following U.S. sanctions on the Lukoil group.

Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova supported the repeal, stating that the risks justifying the ban had been overcome. She argued that the restriction created administrative obstacles and prevented the Lukoil Neftochim refinery from fulfilling its contracts with counterparties.

The measure passed with 121 votes from Progressive Bulgaria, while 42 MPs from opposition groups, including Democratic Bulgaria and We Continue the Change, voted against it. Opposition lawmaker Assen Vassilev criticized the decision, claiming it favors the oligarchy and big capital over Bulgarian citizens. Critics warned that lifting the ban without sufficient analysis could drive up domestic fuel prices during a period of high inflation, noting that Bulgaria had experienced some of the highest annual fuel price increases in the EU during 2026.