- Bulgaria to give 0.25 EUR per liter discount up to 50 L/month for individuals
- Discount applied at pump for petrol and diesel, monthly cap of 50 L
- Only individuals, not companies, to receive aid; details to be clarified this month
- Comes as Bulgaria aims for lowest first 50 liters price in Europe; timeline this month
Amid the rapid rise in fuel prices across Europe, more countries are seeking ways to help consumers. Bulgaria is the latest to announce a concrete support measure for drivers, offering a direct pump discount for individuals.
The Bulgarian government plans to apply a 25 euro-cent per liter discount, up to 50 liters per month, with the aim of easing household budgets and reducing the impact of high fuel costs.
Fuel price discount scheme in Bulgaria
The Sofia government announced a direct support measure for motorists: a discount of 25 eurocents per liter of fuel, applicable to a maximum of 50 liters per month. The scheme targets exclusively individuals and aims to alleviate the impact of high fuel prices on citizens’ budgets.
According to statements by Deputy Energy Minister Plamen Danailov, “it is being discussed that for 50 liters of fuel per month there would be a lower price. A reduction of 25 cents per liter for both petrol and diesel.” The official stressed that this discount will be applied directly at the pump, at the moment of refueling, similar to the electricity aid scheme.
Who benefits from this discount
It is important to note that the discount applies only to individuals, not to companies or legal entities. The monthly limit of 50 liters is considered by authorities to be sufficient for the monthly needs of most drivers who use their car for personal or work travel.
Implementation of the measure and timeline
According to Bulgarian officials, the aid scheme is expected to come into force in the current month. “We hope to clarify all details with merchants this month and start this month,” said Plamen Danailov.
This urgency in implementation reflects the seriousness of the situation in the fuel market and the need for rapid consumer support measures.
Price calculations after applying the discount
To better understand the impact of this measure, let’s analyze the prices after applying the discount. According to the latest Oil Bulletin statistics as of May 2, prices in Bulgaria would look as follows:
Gasoline:
- Final price after discount: 1.25 euros/liter (approximately 6.25 RON/liter)
- For 50 liters: savings of 12.5 euros (approximately 62.50 RON)
Diesel:
- Final price after discount: 1.33 euros/liter (approximately 6.65 RON/liter)
- For 50 liters: savings of 12.5 euros (approximately 62.50 RON)
With this discount applied, Bulgaria would become the European country with the lowest prices for the first 50 liters purchased monthly, the price even lower than Hungary’s pump price caps.
Similar measures in Europe
Bulgaria is not the only country to implement measures to support fuel consumers. The current economic context has led several EU member states to adopt various strategies:
Poland - reduced fuel VAT to lower the final price
Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary - capped pump prices, setting a maximum that cannot be exceeded
Germany - focused on reducing taxes applicable to fuels
France - implemented a direct discount system, similar to Bulgaria’s proposal
Each of these approaches has its advantages and drawbacks, but all aim at the same objective: reducing the financial burden on consumers amid rising energy prices.
The situation in Romania
In contrast to its Bulgarian neighbors, Romania has not yet adopted a comprehensive legislative package to support private-car drivers regarding fuel costs. The only measure implemented so far targets carriers, which benefit from a discount of about 50 bani (around 10 eurocents) per liter of fuel.
The difference in approach is significant, considering that millions of Romanian citizens rely on cars for daily commuting and are directly affected by rising pump prices. In recent months, the cost of a full tank has reached levels that put considerable pressure on family budgets.
Economic impact on consumers
To better understand the importance of such measures, let’s analyze the concrete financial impact. A driver who fuels regularly 50 liters per month would save:
- Per month: approximately 12.5 euros (62.50 RON)
- Per year: approximately 150 euros (750 RON)
Although it may seem a modest amount, for many families these funds can make the difference between being able to afford necessary trips and having to limit car use.
Future outlook
In the current economic climate, marked by uncertainty and fluctuations in energy prices, measures such as those implemented by Bulgaria may become more common in Europe. Governments are under pressure to find effective ways to protect citizens’ purchasing power without distorting the market excessively.
For Romania, the experience of neighboring countries could serve as a model in formulating similar policies. In the coming period, it is expected that parliament and the government will analyze various legislative proposals aimed at supporting fuel consumers.
Practical considerations for drivers
For Romanian citizens living near the Bulgaria border, this measure could present an opportunity to save, especially for those who cross the border frequently for work or other activities. However, it is also important to consider the additional travel costs and the time required to evaluate whether the economic advantage justifies the effort.
In conclusion, the measure adopted by Bulgaria represents an important step in supporting citizens against rising fuel prices. It remains to be seen whether other countries, including Romania, will follow suit and implement similar consumer aid schemes. In any case, this development deserves close attention given its direct impact on the daily expenses of millions of drivers in the region.
