What measures does the Minister of Energy propose to protect the Romanian economy in the context of the conflict in the Middle East?

The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, presented to Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and coalition leaders a set of proposals aimed at mitigating the effects of the conflict in the Middle East on the oil market in Romania. Among these are the issuance of an Emergency Ordinance to declare a state of crisis, the establishment of a maximum price for standard diesel and gasoline, as well as subsidies for economic operators selling these products. Ivan also proposes support for farmers and transporters, as well as the temporary restart of the Lukoil-Petrotel refinery in Ploiești, using non-Russian oil.

The measures are set to be applied for a period of six months, with the possibility of extension. The minister emphasizes that the oil market in Romania relies on an internal production of approximately 2.8 million tons and an import of 9 million tons annually, with an average fuel consumption of 9 million tons. Additionally, emergency stocks can ensure domestic consumption for approximately 90 days.