"Actually, Bulgaria enjoys a special derogation from the ban on oil imports due to its specific geographical location. I clarified our position a few weeks ago and it has not changed. Today I can add that we are in contact with the Bulgarian authorities and the talks are constructive", Ferrie said.

This came after reports according to which Bulgaria's caretaker government wants to allow Lukoil to export its refined products. The Bulgarian authorities claim that this is possible because Bulgaria enjoys a two-year derogation from the ban on importing Russian oil by sea, which comes into effect on December 5.

About a week ago, the European Commission stated once again that Bulgaria could not sell Russian oil to third countries, including refined oil, BNR correspondent Angelina Piskova reported from Brussels.