Emergency Ordinance regarding fuels, adopted by the Government of Romania

The Romanian government has adopted an emergency ordinance that establishes a crisis situation in the fuel market, valid until June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The measures are set to come into effect on April 1. Additionally, next week, new measures to reduce the excise duty on fuels may follow.

The normative act provides for capping the commercial markup at the level of the average from 2025, limiting diesel and gasoline exports only with the agreement of the authorities, as well as penalties of up to 10% of turnover for non-compliance with the rules.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Tánczos Barna, quoted by News.ro, "the current decision is the first step towards regulating prices in the fuel market, which prevents speculative sales and speculation and practically introduces an export ban, so that a larger quantity of fuel produced by national refineries remains in the country." He also states, "the biofuel content of gasoline can be reduced, which means a lower price."

This measure comes against the backdrop of rapid increases in fuel prices, with significant price hikes in recent weeks.

The ordinance has undergone modifications, extending the application period and adjusting the cap on the commercial markup.

A second package of measures is also anticipated, which could include reducing excise duties. Authorities emphasize that intervention is necessary to prevent price increases in the economy, considering Romania's dependence on fuel imports.

Emergency Ordinance, with successive delays

The adoption of the emergency ordinance regarding the capping of the commercial markup was delayed by two days, initially blocked due to the lack of CES approval. On Wednesday, there were intense discussions, following new tensions between PSD and PNL, while the social democrats wanted the introduction of a reduction in excise duties on fuels.

The Economic and Social Council (CES) issued a negative opinion, emphasizing that the intervention will have limited effects and will violate the principles of a market economy. On the other hand, the final form adopted by the government differs from the one negatively assessed by CES.