Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

If Russian oil is halted and Bosphorus is closed, Bulgaria can hold out for 6 months: Finance Minister Assen Vassilev

Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev
Photo: BGNES

The European Commission will afford Bulgaria an opportunity to continue with the Russian oil deliveries but, at the same time, ways will be sought to diversify imports.

In the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev, the Bulgarian economy can hold out for up to 6 months if Russia halts the oil, and if the Bosphorus is closed. During question time in parliament, he pointed out there existed buffers in the budget which can be used for a swift reaction in the event of such a scenario. According to Assen Vassilev, it is in Bulgaria’s national interest that the country obtain a derogation from the oil sanctions on the one hand, and on the other, that it gradually diversify oil suppliers. The construction is envisaged of a motorway, railway and oil pipelines Alexandroupolis-Burgas-Varna-Constanța. As to the company Luikoil Neftohim, Assen Vassilev stated it cannot be nationalized as, legally it is not Russian, but Swiss and is not on the sanctions list. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Meeting of the Harcoi in Katselovo village

The 14 th traditional meeting of the Harcoi is taking place today in Katselovo village, Dve Mogili municipality near the city of Russe. The event, taking place under the patronage of Dve Mogili mayor Marieta Petrova, starts at 9.30 AM with a water..

published on 8/9/25 9:15 AM

Big puppets from Romania’s Puppets Occupy Street to appear in Sofia

Two of the big puppets from Puppets Occupy Street from Craiova in Romania will be seen in Sofia for the first time as part of the International 6Fest Street Arts Festival. They will appear to a Bulgarian audience from 7.30 until 8.30 PM in..

published on 8/9/25 8:10 AM

Weather forecast: The weekend will be a scorcher

On Saturday minimum temperatures will range between 16° C. and 23° C., for Sofia 16 ° C. During the day there will be sun with a light, in the Southeastern parts to moderate wind from the East-Northeast. Daytime highs will climb some more,..

published on 8/8/25 6:35 PM