Bogdan Ivan, the Minister of Energy: "We consume more than we produce in the case of diesel. We have stocks and supply flows that do not put us in danger, at least until the end of May."

The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, stated that the accelerated increase in oil and fuel prices is determined by the imbalance between supply and demand, in the context where countries have increased their reserves, while production is affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

The price of Brent oil has risen from about 70 dollars per barrel to over 110 dollars, and diesel, which represents 70% of fuel consumption in Romania, has had a significant impact on the market. Ivan emphasized that Romania consumes more than it produces, having a deficit of about 1.5 million tons annually. Although the authorities' measures have been delayed, they have limited the increase in prices.

 "If the measures we proposed a month and a half ago had not been adopted, diesel would not be 10 lei or 2.5 euros per liter today. It would have reached 11 lei. The current global trend is to double the price" said the minister.

Ivan assured that Romania will not run out of fuel, having strategic reserves of about 2 million tons of oil equivalent. However, recent attacks on oil terminals in Novorossiysk and the Gulf of Finland have caused delays in deliveries. The minister mentioned that alternative supply routes are being sought, but they are more expensive and longer.

 "It is one thing to bring from the Black Sea, another to come from the Gulf of Finland, to bypass all of Europe and to get back to Constanța" Ivan emphasized.

The authorities are not considering fuel rationing, but are preparing for potential supply issues.

"I had a very constructive discussion with the President of Romania, with the Prime Minister, with the Minister of Transport, and with the main companies in the market, in which data regarding stocks, consumption, and supply flows were analyzed. We are cautious and are preparing with alternative routes" explained Ivan.

The Petromidia refinery is operating at maximum capacity, ensuring an important part of the country's fuel needs. Ivan warned that the situation could become critical in the event of major blockages on international routes.