Romania's deficit in crude oil and petroleum products increased by 41.6% in the first half of 2026

In the first six months of 2026, Romania recorded a cumulative trade deficit of approximately 2.524 billion euros in crude oil and refined petroleum products, 741.2 million euros above the level recorded in the same period last year, according to an analysis by Dumitru Chisăliță based on ARICE data.

The main deterioration occurred in refined products. Romania went from a surplus of 380.6 million euros in the first half of 2025 to a deficit of 590.3 million euros in 2026, a change of 970.9 million euros. By contrast, the deficit in crude oil narrowed by 229.7 million euros, to 1.934 billion euros.

During the period analyzed, imports of refined petroleum products reached 1.62 billion euros, while exports totaled 1.03 billion euros. Exports therefore covered only 63.6% of imports.

The analysis attributes the development to the unavailability of some refining capacities. Petrotel was shut down from October 2025, while Petromidia and Vega underwent a shutdown of approximately 20 days beginning on February 24, 2026. Romania thus became more dependent on gasoline and diesel imports from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

According to the analysis, the effects may extend to transport, agriculture, industry, and construction.