Carlyle’s proposed acquisition of Lukoil’s international business remains subject to final U.S. approval, leaving the ownership of major European refineries unresolved.
The assets include Bulgaria’s Neftohim Burgas, Romania’s Petrotel and Lukoil’s 45% stake in the Netherlands’ Zeeland refinery. Their combined processing capacity is about 400,000 barrels per day. Petrotel remains offline after maintenance that began last year; Carlyle has said restoring underused capacity could add 100,000–150,000 barrels per day to the market.
According to the reported account, the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions office has cleared the proposed transaction, while a wider administration review continues. The licence permitting sale negotiations runs until Oct. 22. Until ownership and restart plans are settled, the potential addition to European fuel supply remains prospective.
