Allows talks over Lukoil's foreign assets through July 25

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has extended a general license that allows companies to discuss with Lukoil until July 25, moving the deadline from June 27. OFAC said the authorization covers negotiations on buying Lukoil’s foreign businesses and also permits interested parties to enter contingent contracts for the sale of assets and related maintenance activities. Lukoil indicated it plans to sell its international assets in October, shortly after the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on the Moscow-headquartered company tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The license has been extended seven times since earlier approvals. In Southeast Europe, Lukoil owns Bulgaria’s sole refinery Lukoil Neftohim Burgas and Romania’s Petrotel refinery, plus a retail network of more than 800 service stations across multiple countries. Media reports cite Carlyle, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron as potential buyers or interested parties.