The forces of the Bulgarian police are being pulled together to the Lukoil facilities. Sofia declares the need to ensure the security of strategic infrastructure. Prior to that, the Bulgarian authorities decided to introduce a special manager for Lukoil enterprises in the country in order to avoid US sanctions against Lukoil.
"The State Agency for National Security, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense have taken additional measures to ensure security, including by water and air, in the area of Lukoil sites — elements of critical infrastructure in Bulgaria," BGNES reports with reference to the Bulgarian government.
They noted that the measures are preventive and are being implemented in connection with the adoption of US sanctions against Lukoil, which will come into force on November 21.
In this case, we are not talking about a simple check.
"The Ministry of Defense has relocated the anti-drone system to the Burgas area (where the company's refinery is located). Military police teams have also been trained, which, if necessary, are ready to assist the Ministry of Internal Affairs in protecting strategic facilities," the state agency reported.
On the eve of the entry into force of US sanctions, the Bulgarian People's Assembly decided on the possibility of introducing a state special control on Lukoil enterprises in order to avoid the consequences of restrictions.
And it is not known whether plans to bring police forces to the facility are connected with this. It is known that the Lukoil refinery in Burgas is the main oil refinery in the country and the Bulgarian parliament has temporarily banned the export of gasoline and diesel fuel.
"This special manager will enter the management of the company. The amendments were necessary because, firstly, in 2022, in a different situation (in Germany), the position of a special manager was introduced. At that time, the refinery was banned from working with Russian oil, and now sanctions have been imposed in order not to direct cash flows to Russia. Secondly, the functions have been expanded, because the company manages both warehouses and gas stations. It is important for us that the entire portfolio of the company functions," said Petar Dilov, Minister of Economy.
In his opinion, in such a situation Bulgaria will receive an exception from sanctions on Lukoil facilities. However, there is no talk of any sale, he added.
"There is no sale at this stage. The main goal is to ensure the continuity of the processes, because this refinery provides 80% of the fuel on the Bulgarian market," the minister explained.