Protesting Bulgarian Carriers Stage Gas Station Blockades

Bulgarian drivers are protesting by refueling their vehicles for the minimum amount of BGN 2. Photo by BGNES

Bulgarian cargo carriers and shippers staged Monday a mass protest across the country against skyrocketing fuel prices.

The protests are peaceful as promised and involve mostly gas station blockades where drivers are idling, refueling for minimal amounts as did citizens on Sunday.

In the Danube city of Ruse drivers of about 40 trucks went to 4 gas stations and were supported by a number of automobiles.

In the capital Sofia, shipping companies are protesting between 9 am and 3 pm at three locations – the entrance of the "Trakiya" highway, near the Presidential residence in the suburb of Boyana and on "Botevgradsko Shosse," which leads to the "Hemus" highway, refueling their vehicles for the minimum BGN 2 on all gas stations along their way.

Fuel price Monday morning were BGN 2.63 for a liter of А 98 gasoline, BGN 2.45 for А 95 and BGN 2.53 for diesel.

Drivers say their research shows that there are 11 countries in Europe with lower prices while fuels sold all across Europe are of much better quality. They also insist carriers in Europe are reimbursed for the excise duty unlike those in Bulgaria.

The demonstrators demand the cabinet makes a decision to lower fuels' prices such as lifting the excise on bio-fuels, but add they do not trust negotiations with those in charge and warn of real road blockades by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Competition Protection changed their mind and announced they are launching a cartel probe of gas stations.

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