SOFIA – A nationwide inspection campaign targeting fuel stations across Bulgaria commenced on Wednesday morning, as announced by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov ahead of a government meeting.
The large-scale operation, aimed at cracking down on tax evasion and fuel quality violations, is being conducted by multiple state agencies under the coordination of the Interdepartmental Coordination Center for Counteracting Smuggling.
Zhelyazkov confirmed that the campaign involves the Ministry of Interior, the National Revenue Agency, Customs, and Metrology authorities.
The inspections are focusing on key aspects of fuel station operations, including fiscalization compliance, potential tax fraud, and adherence to fuel quality standards.
A Coordinated Effort to Ensure Compliance
Speaking to the media, Zhelyazkov stressed the importance of the operation in ensuring transparency and legality within the fuel sector.
“This is a comprehensive campaign involving multiple government bodies. It is part of our broader effort to counteract smuggling, tax evasion, and any irregularities that harm both consumers and the state,” the Prime Minister stated.
Authorities are conducting rigorous checks on whether fuel stations are properly reporting their sales and adhering to tax obligations.
The operation also includes testing fuel samples to verify compliance with established quality standards. Inspectors are looking for instances of manipulated measuring equipment, undeclared fuel sales, and non-compliance with fiscal regulations.
A Long-Term Initiative
Zhelyazkov emphasized that this initiative is not a one-time measure but rather part of a sustained effort to ensure accountability in Bulgaria’s fuel industry.
“This is just the beginning. Further inspections will follow, and any violations detected will be addressed accordingly,” he said.
The government’s campaign comes amid ongoing concerns over tax revenue losses linked to illicit fuel sales. Previous investigations have uncovered cases of fuel stations using unregistered sales systems or diluting fuel to increase profits illegally.
Officials believe that tightening regulatory oversight will help curb such practices and enhance market fairness.
Impact on the Fuel Sector
Fuel station operators have been urged to cooperate fully with inspectors to avoid potential legal consequences. Industry representatives acknowledge the need for regulatory enforcement but have also raised concerns about possible disruptions to operations.
Some fuel retailers argue that while tackling fraud is essential, authorities should ensure that the process does not hinder legitimate businesses.
“We support fair competition and compliance, but we hope the inspections will be conducted efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays in service,” said a spokesperson for a major fuel distributor.
Government’s Commitment to Transparency
The large-scale operation aligns with Bulgaria’s broader anti-smuggling and tax compliance initiatives. In recent months, authorities have ramped up efforts to combat economic crimes and improve revenue collection across various sectors.
As inspections continue, the government has vowed to take strict action against violators. “Those found guilty of tax evasion, fuel fraud, or other illegal activities will face the full force of the law,” Zhelyazkov warned.
The results of the ongoing inspections are expected to be made public in the coming weeks, with further actions likely based on the findings.
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