We are in Ruse, where gas stations are being stormed by a wave of tourists from Romania for Easter. We fill up at one of the cheapest gas stations we found, out of five studied. Here, gasoline is 7.32 lei (1.44 euros), and LPG is 3.86 lei (0.76 euros), with regular diesel (without subsidies) being priced at 8.75 lei (1.72 euros). At the most expensive gas station, gasoline costs 7.88 lei (1.55 euros), while other gas stations displayed intermediate prices. Of course, the displayed price includes bank commissions for currency exchange and international card payments.
To mitigate the fuel price hike in early 2026, the Bulgarian interim government has introduced dedicated financial support, including €18 million for public transport companies and planned €20 monthly fuel subsidies for low-income households. The prices shown above are not subsidized, however.
A €20 monthly subsidy has been introduced for low-income earners to help with fuel costs, which will only be paid if the price of gasoline rises by €1.60 for three consecutive days.
The government has also taken other measures, but the prices displayed at the pump after the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are commercial prices, without subsidies.
Interim Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski recently said that support measures have been activated, with increased and constant control at gas stations.
“Most gas station chains are currently trying to limit some of the wholesale price increases by reducing their margins, but the National Revenue Agency will continue to monitor this on a daily basis, and in the second half of April we will be able to see turnover and profits in much more detail at all gas stations, so the control is constant and intensified,” Klisurski said.
The government has also discussed potential use of temporary flows of fuel from strategic reserves to ensure supply and reduce pressure on prices.
