Bulgaria has introduced more than €300 million in support for farmers, transport operators and lower-income households as expensive fuel adds to inflationary pressure.
Agriculture will receive one of the largest allocations. 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. Limiting farm fuel costs is intended to reduce the risk that higher energy expenses feed into food prices.
Bulgaria also 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 and lower costs for motorists and transport operators using liquefied petroleum gas.
No equivalent excise reduction is currently planned for petrol or diesel, although additional intervention remains possible if market conditions deteriorate.
Public, school and medical transport operators will receive targeted assistance, particularly in 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. That gives Bulgaria room to deploy relief quickly, but further intervention would increase the fiscal cost of insulating households and businesses from energy markets.
