Bulgaria’s National Assembly has decided to lift a temporary ban on exporting petroleum products to other European Union member states, a decision made official following a parliamentary vote on September 23, 2026. The measure, which had been in place since October 2025, was initially introduced to address specific risks in the oil market.
Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova explained that the conditions prompting the restriction had been resolved, and maintaining the measure was causing unnecessary administrative burdens for fuel companies. She emphasized that Bulgaria currently has adequate fuel supplies and there is no shortage in the domestic market. The restriction was also seen as contrary to the EU’s principle of free movement of goods.
However, opposition lawmakers expressed concerns that removing the restriction could exacerbate domestic fuel prices and impact supply. They urged the government to implement measures to ensure sufficient fuel availability for Bulgarian consumers.
The decision comes amid significant increases in fuel prices within Bulgaria. According to EU data for August 2026, the country experienced a 34.5% annual rise in fuel prices, the highest among EU member states for that month. As of September 23, the average price of A95 petrol in Bulgaria was approximately €1.69 per litre, while diesel prices averaged €1.95 per litre.