Bulgaria: Former Bulgarian energy official warns of dangerous situation in Europe as fuel prices soar.

A former Bulgarian energy official has warned that Europe could face a dangerous situation as fuel prices continue to soar across the continent, with diesel now costing more than petrol. Recently, gasoline and diesel prices have risen sharply in many European countries. Statistics released by Eurostat showed that in August, prices of motor vehicle gasoline, diesel and lubricants in the European Union (EU) continued their previous upward trend. The rise came as disruptions to liquefied natural gas supplies from the Middle East and fresh concerns over Russian gas infrastructure tightened the supply outlook. Normally, gasoline is more expensive than diesel in Europe. But recently, the two have flipped. Experts say the Middle East is one of Europe's main sources of diesel, and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have driven diesel import prices sharply higher. Meanwhile, Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russia's refining infrastructure, and Russia has extended its diesel export ban through the end of September. Shotlist: Sofia, Bulgaria - Sept 22, 2026: 1. Various of traffic; Sofia, Bulgaria - Sept 23, 2026 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Yavor Kuyumdzhiev, Bulgaria's former deputy economy and energy minister: "The first reason is the war of the United States and Israel against Iran and the closure of the Hormuz Strait. The second reason is that the Yemeni Houthis have closed the other strait, the Red Sea. And on top of that, we have the big crisis in the Russia-Ukraine war."; Sofia, Bulgaria - Sept 22, 2026 3. Various of gas stations; price sign; fuel guns; Sofia, Bulgaria - Sept 23, 2026 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Yavor Kuyumdzhiev, Bulgaria's former deputy economy and energy minister: "The only thing they might start thinking of is easing the sanctions in Russia. There is not enough oil in the world to cover the needs of the Europeans. If the war in Iran continues, if the actions of the Yemeni Houthis continue, Europe is in a very dangerous situation."; Sofia, Bulgaria - Sept 22, 2026 5. Various of traffic, gas station. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]