Bulgaria has introduced a support package exceeding €300 million to limit the impact of expensive fuel on inflationary pressure. The measures include state aid for agriculture, targeted assistance for transport operators, and one-off payments for people below the poverty threshold.
Agriculture fuel-price compensation
One of the largest allocations is directed to agriculture. Of approximately €170 million in planned state aid, €100 million will compensate farmers for the increase in gas oil prices between 2025 and 2026. The payment is expected to provide support of close to €0.44 per litre used by eligible agricultural producers.
The measure is designed to limit farm fuel costs and reduce the risk that higher energy expenses feed into food prices. Bulgaria’s programme also includes an excise-duty suspension affecting liquefied petroleum gas.
Excise duty suspension for propane-butane
Bulgaria plans to suspend excise duty on propane-butane through the end of 2026, subject to legislative approval. The measure is expected to reduce government revenue by about €15 million. It is also intended to lower costs for motorists and transport operators using liquefied petroleum gas.
No equivalent excise reduction is currently planned for petrol or diesel. Additional intervention remains possible if market conditions deteriorate.
Support for transport operators and low-income households
Public, school and medical transport operators will receive targeted assistance. The support is aimed particularly at smaller and remote communities where rising fuel costs could otherwise lead to reduced services or higher fares.
More than 550,000 people below the poverty threshold are expected to receive a one-off payment of €50. Around €30 million has been allocated for the measure, with payments to be made automatically. Much of the programme is already covered by the 2026 budget, enabling Bulgaria to deploy relief quickly.
Bulgaria also noted that further intervention would increase the fiscal cost of insulating households and businesses from energy markets.
