MOSCOW, July 9 A fire started near the company's oil refinery «Lukoil Neftochim» in the Bulgarian city of Burgas, reports BTA with reference to the regional directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The fire signal was received at about 14.30 (coincides with Moscow time). The representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tsvetelina Rendeva, said that dry grass and vegetation were burning in the area of the fire. Four fire engines and 12 firefighters are fighting the fire.
The perimeter around the refinery is preventively filled with water. Heavy equipment was brought in to create a firebreak.
The newspaper «24 Hours» reports that the fire started at a private gas filling station located next to the refinery.
In early December, Lukoil announced that, due to discriminatory laws, it would review its strategy regarding assets in Bulgaria and analyze the possibility of selling its business in the country.
Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Eleonora Mitrofanova stated in this regard that the authorities’ decisions regarding the Lukoil Neftochim refinery in Burgas have nothing to do with the civilized regulation of large businesses, and warned that this enterprise cannot be purchased at a reduced price, despite all restrictions on his activities.