Romania’s energy authorities have assessed the country’s crude oil and fuel supply situation following a high-level meeting between President Nicușor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, and representatives from key industry players including OMV Petrom and Rompetrol. The discussions focused on ensuring stability in the face of escalating geopolitical risks and disruptions to global trade flows.
Following the meeting, officials confirmed that fuel companies operating in Romania are continuing to source products at international market prices, with no current signs of supply shortages or stress. At the same time, a permanent communication mechanism has been established between the Presidency, the Government, and private-sector operators to enable continuous monitoring and a rapid response should market conditions deteriorate.
The assessment comes amid a surge in global oil prices, which climbed above $110 per barrel on Asian markets on 6 April, driven by rising tensions in the Middle East. The escalation followed threats by US President Donald Trump to target critical Iranian infrastructure, further heightening concerns over global energy security.
While Romania’s domestic supply situation remains stable for now, uncertainties persist regarding external crude oil flows. A recent positive development was the restart of KMGI’s Petromidia refinery, which resumed operations at the end of last month after a scheduled shutdown that coincided with the early phase of the Middle East tensions.
However, new risks have emerged in the Black Sea region. Reports of explosions in Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil export hub, have raised concerns. Some accounts suggest that an oil terminal was targeted in a drone strike, with potential damage reported at the Sheskharis oil terminal. This port is a crucial export point for both Russian and Kazakh crude, hosting the CPC terminal with multiple offshore loading points and onshore infrastructure.
This development is particularly significant for Romania, as Kazakhstan is currently its largest crude oil supplier, accounting for more than half of total imports. Any disruption to export routes through Novorossiysk could therefore pose a serious risk to Romania’s oil supply, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are already affecting the global movement of oil, fuels, and gas through key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
