Bulgarian Opposition: Lukoil License Revocation Is Dramatic PR

The BSP leader and former Prime Minister, Sergey Stanishev, warns the only result of the closing of the Lukoil refinery by the Customs would be a fuel price hike. Photo by BGNES

The revocation of the Lukoil Bulgaria license is a theatrical play that would only lead to the increase of fuel prices, according to the Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP.

The BSP leader and former Prime Minister, Sergey Stanishev, said Wednesday in the Parliament's hallway he was giving high marks to the acting skills of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, in a well-rehearsed drama performance between the latter and the Lukoil CEO, Valentin Zlatev, when it is known the two are close friends.

Stanishev informed the revocation of the license is happening right before a planned renovation at the Lukoil refinery so that the latter would not incur any damage, adding renovations and repairs are scheduled in advance and for this reason additional quantities of fuels have also been produced in advance.

The ex PM commented that the measures of the Customs Agency were rightful since the law must be abided to, but voiced skepticism in their real effect.

"This is pure theater and it would go away after two days of "heavy" negotiations between Lukoil and the cabinet with the end result being a fuel price hike," the Socialist leader explained.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary group of Borisov's ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party, Valentin Nikolov, commented on statements of the right wing that they applauded the "battle against the fuel cartel" saying no one is talking about battles or conflicts and this was simply a matter of the rule of law where all companies – big and small are equal.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!