Bulgaria is preparing legislative changes to take control of the Lukoil refinery in Burgas and sell it, thus protecting the plant from US sanctions.

Bulgaria intends to implement legislative changes that will allow it to take control of the Lukoil refinery in Burgas, the only oil refinery in the country, which is under international sanctions. These measures come in response to the sanctions imposed by the USA and the UK on Russian oil companies, following the conflict in Ukraine.

The bill would allow the appointment of a special administrator to oversee the sale of the refinery, without the current owner, Lukoil, having the right to contest the decision. Former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov emphasized the importance of this measure for ensuring Bulgaria's energy security and preventing a supply crisis. Additionally, Lukoil recently announced that it intends to sell its international assets, and Gunvor, a commodity trading firm, will take over these assets, but details about their management remain unclear.