The price of oil has decreased globally, but gasoline and diesel remain unchanged in Romania due to taxes.

On December 17, the average price of gasoline in Romania dropped to 7.36 lei per liter, the lowest level since July 2025. This decrease was influenced by a reduction of approximately 20% in the price of a barrel of Brent oil. However, from January 1, 2026, excise duties on gasoline and diesel will increase, which will lead to an estimated rise of 30-40 bani per liter. Currently, about 55% of the price of gasoline and 50% of diesel prices are taxes. Analyst Radu Puiu emphasizes that, despite the drop in oil prices, pump prices will not follow the same trend due to the increase in excise duties. In the long term, the surplus of oil could reach 4 million barrels per day, which could maintain low fuel prices.