The policy of the Caretaker Government in the processing and export of fuels is aimed at ensuring better prices for consumers and complying with the legal framework of the European Union. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Transport and Communications Hristo Alexiev in response to questions from the media.
"Bulgaria currently has the cheapest fuels in Europe, which is a serious success. We will continue to work in this direction", the Deputy Prime Minister said.
He informed that a Decision of the Council of Ministers to allow the export of fuels produced at the refinery in Burgas – petrol, fuel oil, gas oil – was drafted and put up for public discussion.
Hristo Alexiev was categorical that the export or re-export of crude oil from Bulgaria was absolutely prohibited. "The export of petroleum products is currently not prohibited. We continue the current situation. The previous regular government of Bulgaria requested a derogation for the import of crude oil. Why then limit the production of our refinery only to domestic consumption, instead of these fuels being exported?”.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that if fuels were processed on a larger scale, the refinery could afford better prices for consumers. In his words, in this way, Bulgaria would maintain its foreign trade balance and export orientation. With the new changes proposed by the Caretaker Government, there would be an opportunity to tax the excess profits of those who produce, process and trade petroleum products.
Hristo Alexiev informed that a bill regulating the taxation of excess profits was about to be introduced before the National Assembly.
"The calculations we have made show that the excess profits from the trade and production of fuels can bring the budget between BGN 800 million and BGN 1 billion next year. For this year, the expected revenues are about BGN 100 million", he added.