Lukoil Bulgaria sanctions licence extended to April 2027
The US licence for Lukoil Bulgaria runs to 24 April 2027; the UK extended its own to 26 February 2027, so the Burgas refinery and stations keep running.
The United States has extended the permission for Lukoil’s Bulgarian companies to keep working until 24 April 2027. The US Treasury’s sanctions office (OFAC) issued General Licenses 130B and 128D on 15 October 2026. They replace permissions that would have run out on 29 October. The Burgas refinery and the Lukoil petrol stations therefore stay open; the sanctions on Lukoil itself remain in place. The UK has also extended its licence, but only to 26 February 2027.
What exactly did the US decide?
According to the text of General License 130B, all transactions with four companies are allowed until 24 April 2027: Lukoil Neftohim Burgas (the refinery), Lukoil Bulgaria (the fuel station network), Lukoil Aviation Bulgaria (jet fuel) and Lukoil Bulgaria Bunker (marine fuel). General License 128D separately covers Lukoil service stations outside Russia until the same date. As BTA reported, the exemptions “do not constitute a lifting of sanctions” against the Russian company.
Why does the refinery matter so much?
Lukoil Neftohim Burgas is Bulgaria’s only large refinery. A special manager named by the state has run it since November 2025. Without the licence, banks, suppliers and buyers could not deal with it. Its special manager, Evgeni Simeonov, told BNR on 23 October that crude is contracted to the end of December. He said there is enough petrol and diesel in stock and that the plant makes far more than Bulgaria uses.
What about the UK licence?
It has been extended. The UK sanctions office (OFSI) licence for the same four companies, general licence INT/2025/7895596, was due to expire on 29 October 2026. On 28 October OFSI extended it to 26 February 2027, Interfax and GlobalSanctions reported; the GOV.UK page lists the extension on that date. In August the term had been set to 29 October at Bulgaria’s request, to match the old US deadline, the Ministry of Economy and Industry said. The two deadlines now differ: the UK licence ends on 26 February 2027, the US licences on 24 April 2027.
What it means for Varna
- Drivers: Lukoil stations in and around Varna keep working normally; there is no reason to queue or stock up.
- Businesses and fleets: deals with the Lukoil companies can go on under US rules until 24 April 2027. Firms with UK banks or insurers should note that the UK licence ends earlier, on 26 February 2027.
- Airport and port users: jet and marine fuel suppliers are covered too.
- Prices: the licence does not set prices. For current pump prices, see fuel prices in Bulgaria in October 2026; for the wider picture, read Bulgaria’s inflation in September.
Shipping risks in the Black Sea could also affect crude deliveries to Burgas; see our report on drone attacks on ships off Bulgaria.
Sources
- OFAC – General License No. 130B, Certain Lukoil Entities in Bulgaria (15 Oct 2026)
- OFAC – General License No. 128D, Lukoil retail service stations outside Russia (15 Oct 2026)
- BTA – US extends authorization for transactions with Lukoil's foreign subsidiaries until April 24, 2027 (16 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK – OFSI General Licence INT/2025/7895596 (extended 28 Oct 2026)
- Interfax – UK extends licence for Lukoil's Bulgarian companies to 26 February 2027 (28 Oct 2026)
- GlobalSanctions – UK extends Lukoil-related general licence INT/2025/7895596 (28 Oct 2026)
- Ministry of Economy and Industry – Licence to continue Lukoil's activities in Bulgaria extended (12 Aug 2026)
- Standart – Evgeni Simeonov interview with BNR on crude supply and fuel stocks (23 Oct 2026, in Bulgarian)
Frequently asked questions
Are Lukoil petrol stations in Bulgaria still open?
Yes. The US licences let the Bulgarian Lukoil companies, including the station network, keep operating until 24 April 2027.
Have the sanctions on Lukoil been lifted?
No. OFAC's licences are exemptions for named Bulgarian companies; BTA reports that they do not constitute a lifting of sanctions against Lukoil.
Was the UK licence extended after 29 October?
Yes. On 28 October 2026 the UK OFSI extended general licence INT/2025/7895596 for the four companies to 26 February 2027, Interfax and GlobalSanctions reported. The US licences run longer, to 24 April 2027.
Will there be a fuel shortage in Varna?
Nothing points to one. The refinery's special manager said on 23 October that crude is contracted to the end of December and petrol and diesel stocks are sufficient.
