Petroleum prices finally experienced a decrease, after developed countries decided to release  petroleum reserves on to the international market. Crude petroleum prices decreased by 79 cents compared to Friday's levels. Despite the lower prices, Bulgarian fuel prices remain high. On September 2, Lukoil increased fuel prices on average by 0.16 leva a litre. The company promised to decrease prices as soon as the international market stabilises. In addition, fuel stations further increased prices by nearly 0.08 leva.
Because of the higher fuel prices, taxi services, as well as bus tickets are expected to become more expensive. Specialists said that the latest petroleum price decreases would not affect the decision by local transport companies to increase prices. In order to consider the decrease as part of a sustained trend, petroleum prices must go below $63 a barrel. By the end of the month, taxi prices are expected to rise by 20 per cent. This would mean that the current daily tariff would become 0.47 leva a km and the night tariff 0.55 leva a km. Bus tickets are expected to become 10 per cent more expensive, Novinar reported.