Politico: Romania and Bulgaria are in a race against time to prevent the closure of refineries controlled by Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft, before the American sanctions come into effect on November 21.

The decision of Washington has generated panic among EU states, which fear possible disruptions in fuel supply. Bulgaria has adopted a law that allows the government to appoint a special administrator at the Burgas refinery, with the power to take operational control or nationalize the facility. Romania, on the other hand, is analyzing options, considering an extension of sanctions to buy time, and nationalization is seen as a last resort.

The Romanian Minister of Energy stated that the country is prepared for any scenario, while efforts to find new owners for Russian refineries have been affected by the withdrawal of the Swiss trader Gunvor. Other EU countries, such as Germany and Hungary, are seeking exemptions from sanctions to protect their energy interests.