Farm minister Plamen Abrovski has told the agriculture, food and forestry committee that money from the so-called "Iran aid" will reach more than 14,000 farmers, not just a handful of big landowners.

The issue came up after remarks by Asen Vasilev, leader of We Continue the Change and a former finance minister, raised in the committee by Malomir Vlasov from the Progressive Bulgaria group. Last week Vasilev criticized the government's response to high fuel prices, saying 100 million levs in aid would go "to 20 farming families with Maybachs." Abrovski said Vasilev had given no evidence for the claim.

The minister said the "Iran aid" is being paid out under a scheme set up by the European Commission. Bulgaria's government has earmarked 170 million euros for this. The money will cover the gap between diesel prices in 2025 and the higher prices that followed the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Abrovski said the payout has been delayed on purpose, to make it more useful and better timed for farmers.

He gave a second reason for the payment: it will also cover the difference in fertilizer prices between 2025 and 2026. He said EU rules don't allow the aid to be concentrated in a few hands — the cap is 50,000 euros per farmer.

Of the total "Iran aid" pot, 100 million euros is set aside to cover the diesel price gap. That money will reach more than 14,000 farmers, at a rate of 0.44 euros per litre. Combined with all existing state aid, total support for Bulgarian farmers will reach almost 0.73 euros per litre.

Abrovski said that once the first round of applications for the fuel scheme is closed, the government will move on to paying out the fertilizer price compensation.

Deputy farm minister Krum Nedelkov said 25% to 30% of the "Iran aid" fuel support will go to livestock farming. Livestock farmers will also get help with fertilizer costs for feed crops. That means total support for the sector could reach 35% to 40% of the whole aid package.