Romanians could pay electricity bills about 20-22% higher this winter and next spring, even if they maintain the same consumption. The estimation was presented Wednesday evening by Cristian Bușoi, a state secretary in the Ministry of Energy, who says there is no risk of bills doubling as rumored.
„There will be no double electricity bills for the same consumption and, more or less, the same provider,” Bușoi stated on Digi24.
The official mentions that current estimates still point to higher bills in the upcoming months. "We are talking about increases of around 20-22% at this moment, as forecasts, for the winter and spring of next year, on the final bill, under the conditions that, at some point, we reopen Cernavodă and will have 1,300 megawatts available," explained the state secretary.
The issue is that, at this moment, the Ministry of Energy cannot specify when the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant will resume operations, affected by the low flow of the Danube River.
What's happening with gas
Regarding natural gas, Bușoi says that Romania has sufficient reserves and import capacity, even in the scenario of a harsh winter. However, the issue could be the price. "Even if it's a tough winter, we still have gas in storage, there is import capacity. The whole stake, just like with electricity, is about the price, how much it will cost," the official said.
For the population, the price of natural gas is capped, so any price hikes in the market are not expected to be passed on to household consumers or those connected to centralized heating systems.
The pressure will be higher on major industrial consumers, who buy gas at market prices.
Romania has exceeded the 80% threshold for filling the gas storage facilities needed for the winter season.
No risk of rationing
Bușoi claims that there is currently no prospect of electricity supply problems or restrictions for the industry. "We have no reason, at this moment, to head towards that scenario, but we have the legislation as a reserve, as a last resort in case it is needed," he stated.
Such a scenario could only occur in the case of a serious and unforeseen event that affects the European market and causes a significant increase in energy demand, the state secretary explained.
How Romania is doing with gasoline and diesel
Currently, there are no issues with fuel supply, according to the Ministry of Energy. "Both diesel and gasoline stocks and petroleum product stocks are intact, have been checked, and reporting procedures to the Ministry of Energy are ongoing," Bușoi said.
Over half of Romania's strategic fuel reserves are stored domestically, with the rest kept in other EU states. Bușoi mentioned that reserves from abroad could be brought to Romania in a reasonable time if supply issues only affect our country.
The situation would complicate, however, in the event of a fuel shortage across the entire European Union.