The Bulgarian Parliament voted against a motion to acquire Lukoil assets, in the context of sanctions imposed by the USA.

Bulgarian deputies rejected on Wednesday a motion requesting the government to draft a proposal for the acquisition of Lukoil's assets in Bulgaria. The motion, initiated by a nationalist-populist party, received 42 votes in favor and 80 against, with 70 abstentions. Lukoil, a Russian oil company, is affected by the sanctions imposed by the U.S. OFAC, which will come into effect on November 21. It owns the Lukoil Neftochim refinery and a large network of gas stations in Bulgaria. Although the motion was rejected, the governing coalition is discussing the possibility of appointing a special administrator for Lukoil's assets, who would have extensive powers in managing them, without administrative or judicial oversight. The bill regarding the sale of the assets has already been vetoed by President Roumen Radev.