According to Martin Vladimirov, an analyst interviewed on Bulgarian Nova TV, the European Commission is initiating an inquiry against Bulgaria in relation to the actions of Lukoil.
The energy analyst affiliated with the Center for the Study of Democracy responded to inquiries over the alleged export of around 1 billion euros worth of fuel by the Burgas Lukoil Neftohim refinery, as stated in a report. Furthermore, it is worth considering whether the corporation is in breach of the oil embargo imposed by the European Union.
"The analysis, co-authored by Global Witness, the Bulgarian Center for the Study of Democracy, and the Center for the Study of Energy and Clean Air, highlights that "Lukoil" has generated a revenue exceeding 1 billion euros in 2023 through the exportation of fuels beyond the borders of Bulgaria. These organizations are renowned for their extensive monitoring of Russia's evasion of sanctions", said Vladimirov. According to him, it is clearly seen that the requirements of the derogation are circumvented.
As per his account, the Politico publication succinctly outlined the primary findings of the investigation.
This study investigates two representative instances of embargo breaches. In one of the instances, a direct exportation of high sulfur fuel oil to the Netherlands was observed. However, the precise quantity of fuel that reached Rotterdam remains uncertain due to the presence of inter-vessel transfers. European ports serve as a central point for the distribution of Russian petroleum, says Vladimirov. In another instance, the cargo of a separate vessel was subsequently relocated in close proximity to Malta, followed by a subsequent transfer to the Bahamas, ultimately resulting in the arrival of 10 thousand tons of fuel oil in the United States.
As per Vladimirov's assertion, the cargo has been allowed by the Bulgarian "Customs" Agency. Nevertheless, Vladimirov noted that the research did not rely on customs records. /BGNES
