The government has approved the emergency ordinance for reducing the excise duty on diesel by 30 bani per liter.

The Romanian government adopted, in today's extraordinary meeting, an emergency ordinance that provides for a reduction of the excise duty on standard diesel by approximately 30 bani per liter, equivalent to a decrease of about 11%. This measure comes together with the establishment of a solidarity contribution for companies in the oil sector.

The Legislative Council gave a favorable opinion on the project but made observations regarding the drafting and application of the provisions. Trade unions and employers' associations expressed a favorable opinion but with criticisms related to the introduction of two levels of excise duty and the need to clarify the terms.

Additionally, economic operators emphasized that they need at least three days to adapt their IT systems to the new excise level. Civil society gave an unfavorable opinion, warning about the risks of shortages and the uncertain budgetary impact of the excise reduction.

The project provides for the application of the measure during the declared crisis period in the oil and fuel market, and the budgetary impact of the reduction is estimated at 610 million lei. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan explained that the excise reduction could not be larger due to budgetary constraints. If the measure is adopted, the provisions are expected to come into force next week.