Bulgaria’s National Assembly has voted to rescind a temporary restriction on the export and intra-European Union supply of petroleum products, a measure initially enacted in October 2025. The decision, made on September 23, 2026, follows assurances from Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova that the initial risks prompting the restriction have been mitigated, and that maintaining the ban was causing administrative burdens for fuel companies.
Karadimova emphasized that Bulgaria currently possesses adequate fuel supplies, and there is no domestic shortage. She further noted that the restriction was an anomaly in the EU principle of free goods movement, suggesting that its removal aligns with broader EU trade practices.
Despite the government’s stance, opposition lawmakers expressed concerns that lifting the ban might intensify pressure on local fuel prices and availability. They urged for measures to ensure Bulgarian consumers have sufficient access to fuel, amid a sharp rise in fuel prices.
EU data highlights that Bulgaria experienced a 34.5% increase in fuel prices in August 2026, marking the highest surge among EU member states for that period. As of late September 2026, the average price for A95 petrol in Bulgaria stood at approximately €1.69 per litre, while diesel was about €1.95 per litre.