Bulgaria’s National Assembly has voted to lift a temporary restriction on the export and intra-EU supply of petroleum products to other European Union member states, a measure initially imposed last year. The decision to repeal the measure was made on September 23, 2026, after Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova indicated that the risks that led to the restriction had been mitigated.
The restriction, which had been in place since October 2025, was intended to ensure adequate fuel supplies within Bulgaria. However, Karadimova noted that the continuation of this measure was causing administrative challenges for fuel companies and argued that it contradicted the EU’s principle of free movement of goods. She confirmed that Bulgaria currently has sufficient fuel reserves and no domestic shortages.
Despite the lifting of the restriction, some opposition lawmakers expressed concerns about potential impacts on domestic fuel prices and availability. They urged the government to implement measures to guarantee that Bulgarian consumers have adequate access to fuel, especially in light of the significant price hikes observed in recent months.
Bulgaria has been experiencing notable increases in fuel prices, with EU data revealing a 34.5% annual increase in August 2026, the highest among EU countries for that month. As of late September, the average price for A95 petrol was approximately €1.69 per litre, while diesel was averaging around €1.95 per litre.