Bulgaria has lifted its temporary ban on the export and intra-EU supply of petroleum products, a measure initially enacted in October 2025. The decision to repeal the restriction was made following a parliamentary vote on September 23, 2026, as announced by Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova.
Karadimova stated that the risks which led to the implementation of the restriction have been effectively addressed. She noted that continuing the ban was causing administrative hurdles for fuel companies. Furthermore, she emphasized that the restriction contradicted the European Union’s principle of free movement of goods, which is fundamental to the bloc’s economic policies.
The removal of the export ban comes against a backdrop of rising fuel prices in Bulgaria. EU statistics revealed that Bulgaria experienced a 34.5% increase in fuel prices in August 2026, marking the highest annual rise among EU countries for that period. As of the repeal date, the average price for A95 petrol in Bulgaria was approximately €1.69 per liter, with diesel costing around €1.95 per liter.
While the government asserts that Bulgaria’s fuel supply is stable, opposition lawmakers expressed concerns that lifting the restriction might exacerbate domestic fuel prices and pressure the supply chain. They urged the government to implement measures to ensure that adequate fuel supplies remain available for Bulgarian consumers.