The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, stated that Romania is not currently considering fuel consumption rationalization measures, in the context of the European call for reducing the use of oil and gas.
„At the moment, this scenario is not being considered. Romania has sufficient reserves, alternative supply routes for oil and diesel, and is prepared to release from state reserves if problems arise,” the minister stated, according to Biziday.
He emphasized that the supply situation is stable, and authorities are closely monitoring market developments, without seeing immediate risks for now.
Excise tax reduction, the preferred solution for the market
Bogdan Ivan indicated that the main measure currently being analyzed is the reduction of excise tax on fuels, especially on diesel, where price pressures are the highest.
"The only favorable scenario is the reduction of excise tax because the biggest impact on the Romanian market is on diesel. Here we have seen the highest price increases, as we import diesel and produce gasoline," explained the minister.
The statements come as the Government prepares a mechanism to decrease the excise tax, already announced by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who specified that approximately 70% of fuel consumption in Romania is represented by diesel.
State reserves, "safety net" in case of crisis
The Minister of Energy reiterated that the state is ready to intervene quickly if supply disruptions occur.
"We are prepared to take this step when we see problems. For now, we do not see this situation," said Ivan, referring to the possibility of releasing fuel from strategic reserves.
At the same time, he announced that he proposed the reoperation of the Petrotel refinery in Ploiești, owned by Lukoil, to increase internal processing capacity.
European Commission's call for consumption reduction
The minister's statements come after Politico and Euronews reported that Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy, asked member states to reduce oil and gas consumption, especially in the transport sector, to avoid potential shortages.
Brussels' call comes amid international tensions and pressures on energy markets.