Sofia, 31 October 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Bulgaria has temporarily banned the export of diesel and jet fuel in response to US sanctions on Russian energy companies, with parliament passing the relevant motion on Friday.

The ban applies to delivery to other European Union member states as well and is aimed at ensuring that these fuels do not become scarce in the future.

The punitive measures decreed by US President Donald Trump against Rosneft and Lukoil to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine war are also affecting Bulgaria's sole crude oil refinery, Lukoil Neftohim.

The plant located near Burgas on the Black Sea is a Lukoil subsidiary. Lukoil also operates fuel stations in Bulgaria.

Parliament's budget and finance committee said the export ban was needed to ensure the country's energy security and the stability of the domestic fuel market. Government members of parliament said that Bulgaria had fuel reserves for several months.

The motion was passed with 135 in favour, four against and 42 abstentions. It will go into force once published in the government gazette.

Photo: MIA archive