The Bulgarian government has announced a new package of financial measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel and energy costs. The initiative includes a one-time 50-euro inflation relief payment for approximately 550,000 citizens living below the poverty line. This assistance will be distributed automatically via bank cards or postal services starting in October, regardless of whether the recipients own a vehicle.
The announcement was made by a ministerial team including Social Minister Natalia Efremova, Economy Minister Alexander Pulev, Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovski, and Deputy Transport Minister Hristina Velinova. The total cost for this specific aid program is estimated at 30 million euros. Eligible groups include children and youth without parental care, recipients of energy assistance, families raising children with permanent disabilities, foster families, and military veterans.
In addition to direct payments, the government plans to eliminate the excise duty on propane-butane to lower costs for drivers using gas-powered vehicles. This measure requires parliamentary approval and clearance from the European Commission, with a notification already submitted. If approved, the tax relief will remain in effect until the end of the year at an estimated cost of 15 million euros.
The broader government support package for fuel costs totals over 300 million euros. This includes subsidies for public, school, and medical transport, with a focus on remote and small settlements. Furthermore, 55 million euros in direct support is allocated for heavy-duty transport carriers, while 170 million euros is designated for agricultural producers. Of the agricultural funding, 100 million euros will compensate for the price difference of gas oil, providing approximately 44 cents per liter, while 70 million euros will address the high cost of fertilizers.
The measures have faced criticism from opposition parties. Representatives from GERB questioned the timing of the payments ahead of the presidential election campaign and expressed concerns that the aid could further fuel inflation. Members of the We Continue the Change party described the assistance as insufficient for the broader population, while Democratic Bulgaria characterized the measures as incomplete, citing a lack of budgetary buffers for crisis situations.
These announcements coincide with recent price increases at fuel stations, where the cost of gasoline and diesel rose by one cent on Friday. Current prices stand at 1.68 euros for the most common gasoline and 1.96 euros for standard diesel.
Article and image source: 24chasa.bg
Trinidad-produced methanol powers four commercial trucks in new Proman and Dumore transport pilot programme
Nailah Blackman Takes Mum Dress Shopping As They Prepare For Caribbean Music Awards Together
Kamla Persad-Bissessar and husband Gregory celebrate 55 years of marriage and enduring partnership together
Ministry provides $9,600 grant to support free Community Health Fiesta benefiting Enterprise residents
Traveler says T&T Airport disappointing, praising Antigua's airport and its Prime Minister.
Traveller criticises Trinidad airport while praising Antigua’s facility and investment during Caribbean journey