Bulgaria’s National Assembly has voted to lift a temporary restriction on the export and intra-EU supply of petroleum products, a measure initially imposed in October 2025. The decision, made on September 23, 2026, addresses administrative concerns raised by the country’s fuel companies and follows assurances from Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova that the risks prompting the original restriction have been resolved.
Karadimova emphasized that Bulgaria currently has adequate fuel supplies and is not experiencing shortages in its domestic market. She noted that the restriction was an anomaly within the European Union’s principle of free movement of goods. However, opposition members in the National Assembly expressed apprehension that removing the restriction might lead to increased pressure on domestic fuel prices and supply, urging for measures to safeguard Bulgarian consumers.
The parliamentary decision comes amid a backdrop of rising fuel prices in Bulgaria. According to European Union data, the country witnessed a 34.5% year-on-year increase in fuel prices in August 2026, marking the highest surge among EU member states during that period. As of the date of the vote, the average price of A95 petrol stood at approximately €1.69 per litre, while diesel was priced at around €1.95 per litre.
The lifting of the export ban reflects Bulgaria’s effort to align with EU trade principles, despite ongoing domestic economic challenges. Policymakers will likely continue to navigate the balance between adhering to EU norms and addressing internal economic demands, particularly as fuel prices remain a crucial issue for both consumers and businesses in the region.