Cristian Bușoi warns that Romania cannot afford to support large consumers amid rising gas prices

State Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Cristian Bușoi warned on Monday, at the Natural Gas Forum in Bucharest, that Romania lacks the budgetary resources to cover the price difference on the electricity and gas bills of large consumers. The statement comes amid efforts to reduce the budget deficit and a significant increase in gas prices.

Bușoi said that Romania’s gas storage levels are above the European average and above the 80% target set for October 1. Production will continue during the winter, while household consumers and district heating systems are covered both in terms of volumes and prices.

According to the official, gas prices rose in October 2026 to approximately 80 euros, compared with 30–35 euros during the same period last year. The main causes cited are the conflict in the Middle East, the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and damage to some production facilities in Qatar. These developments have intensified competition between Asia and the European Union for American liquefied natural gas.

Bușoi said he does not expect a repeat of the 2022 crisis, but acknowledged that there are concerns at European level. Romania benefits from its status as the European Union’s largest natural gas producer, while the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could help prices return to normal. The official called for continued European investment in gas production and the elimination of imports from Russia.