Bulgaria bans processing of Russian oil from March 1, 2024

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Bulgaria banned the processing of Russian oil from March 1, 2024, local media reported on Monday.

The parliament, with a vote of 144-0, passed the first and second draft legislation on Monday, prohibiting the export of fuels produced from Russian oil as of Jan. 1, 2024.

In addition, the legislation puts an end to the processing of oil originating from Russia by the country's only oil refinery, the Russian-controlled Lukoil refinery in the southern port city of Burgas, starting from March 1, 2024, according to the state-run BTA news agency.

Bulgaria's move cuts short a derogation from the EU embargo on oil imports from Russia that the European Commission granted to Bulgaria in 2022.

The derogation was initially valid until Dec. 31, 2024, and was based on Bulgaria's specific geographic exposure.

The parliament also decided to scrap the transit fee on Russian natural gas imports to and transit via Bulgaria.

The parliament also resolved to scrap the transit fee on Russian natural gas import to and transit via Bulgaria.

This decision prompted Hungary to issue a warning that it would block Bulgaria’s entry to the Schengen area unless the transit fee is lifted​​​​​​​.