Britain has temporarily exempted Bulgaria from its sanctions against Lukoil

This was reported by European Pravda with reference to Reuters.

The British Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation has granted licences to two Lukoil companies that sell and distribute fuel in Bulgaria and operate the country's only oil refinery in Burgas.

The licences allow companies and banks to conduct transactions with these two enterprises and their subsidiaries until 14 February 2026.

The UK's decision coincides with the Bulgarian government's appointment of a special administrator, who on Friday took control of Lukoil's Bulgarian assets.

According to Reuters, the Bulgarian side has also asked the US for a temporary exemption from its sanctions against Lukoil, with a decision expected by the end of Friday.

US sanctions against Lukoil, which will take effect on 21 November, have raised concerns among Bulgarian leaders that they could lead to the closure of an important oil refinery in Burgas.

A week ago, a parliamentary vote gave the government the power to confiscate Lukoil's assets in Bulgaria, where the company has a quasi-monopoly with a network of oil depots, petrol stations, and companies supplying ships and aircraft.

Source: European Pravda, Reuters