"There are gas stations that charge VAT. They must be checked and sanctioned. The gray sector in the industry is between 20 and 30%".
This was explained to the Bulgarian National Radio by Svetoslav Benchev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Oil and Gas Association.
A few days ago, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced that a specialized inspection of facilities that store and trade in liquid fuels is being conducted throughout the country. The goal is to establish whether there is any fraud with excise duties and VAT, as well as to understand the quality of the petroleum products sold.
"What is currently happening in terms of inspections is something quite positive. We really have a problem with collection, especially VAT.
Inspections have also been carried out at our sites. We have never had anything against being inspected".
Benchev believes that violators are damaging the state budget by about 200 million.
The sector must be enlightened, he is categorical.
"There are gas stations that issue invoices when they shouldn't. Fiscal systems are used that can be manipulated.
The draft law on the state budget includes a provision that will allow for the restriction of trade in cash receipts. The fuel invoice will now be issued only as an extended cash receipt at the time of purchase.
He believes that this measure will increase collection.
Benchev also explained that the planned repair at the "Lukoil" refinery will not lead to problems in the market.
"The market is secured, there is fuel. The warehouses are full.".
He emphasized that whatever happens to the ownership of this refinery, the important thing is that it continues to operate.
"It would be difficult for the state to operate such a large structure. This is the job of a private operator.".
The chairman of the Bulgarian Oil and Gas Association indicated that he does not expect a serious increase in the price of oil.
"The military conflict is already in the price. I don't expect anything particularly terrible to happen to the price of oil.
The whole tariff story that is happening in the US is pushing the price of the raw material down.
In this situation, and in the event of a more serious escalation of the conflict with the Houthis, we are unlikely to see catastrophic oil prices.