Political skirmishes and threats of lawsuits over the Lukoil issue

Criticism of the President to the government and politicians on the Lukoil issue. According to Rumen Radev, the withdrawal of the derogation will lead to increase in fuel prices. Prime Minister Denkov warned against attempts to escalate tensions with the refinery. Delyan Peevski of MRF gave Denkov until Thursday evening to explain in writing the case with the refinery. The parties supporting the cabinet again warned Lukoil Neftohim to pay its debts.

Risk of abrupt termination of derogation

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov warned that if the escalation of tensions on the Lukoil issue continues there are 2 serious risks.

"One is an abrupt termination of the derogation. This means that the refinery will be left without oil, as there is no way in a short time, within 7-10 days to secure, non-Russian oil, which is necessary for the refinery's operation. If it is for an intermediate period, 30 days, prices will most likely be higher. All this will actually cause problems for Bulgarian citizens. Prices will rise and Lukoil can use any such threats to create problems for Bulgaria," he said.

The President predicted serious economic and social consequences if Lukoil Neftochim's derogation to work with Russian oil is withdrawn.

"Naturally, there is a risk of both a deficit and increased prices, but we never saw these estimates. For Lukoil, I just want to tell you this: how did the caretaker government I appointed manage to convince them to finally register their economic activity in Bulgaria, to pay 180 million BGN in corporate tax in advance, when all the previous 20 years such tax was collected in the amount of 70 million BGN? How has this government managed to ensure the sustainable operation of the refinery and to bring prices down from 3.50 to 2.40?"

Radev called for statesmanship.

"In the incessant quarrels for influence, for money, for posts, the government forgets the most important thing, that they are primarily responsible for the security and well-being of the people. National security requires the government to look beyond posts, beyond its interests and mandates and return its focus to the problems of the society."

Lukoil's liabilities

Prime Minister Denkov explained why the state could not demand that Lukoil pay up next week, as GERB-UDF and MRF insisted, criticised them for misinterpreting his words and even threatened Delyan Dobrev with a lawsuit for his remarks yesterday.

"What we have agreed with Lukoil is that they have committed to pay the amounts due by the end of the year. Any deadlines like 1 week are again some misinformation. With regard to the talk of Lukoil feeder (referring to Delyan Dobrev’s words that the Cabinet was being on a feeder at Lukoil) and other rather more specific accusations, the answer is clear. I'm filing a lawsuit against the people making these claims. People who have set laws that are not enforceable and have not been enforced so far are trying to hide this problem by accusing the government of not collecting taxes that essentially cannot be collected based on existing laws."

The Co-Chairman of the MRF Group Delyan Peevski called on the Prime Minister to inform the National Assembly in writing by Thursday evening about all intentions, actions and the factual situation in the Lukoil case.

The company itself reacted with a position stating that they have paid taxes for over 1 billion and 300 million for this and last year.