Romania has moved to mitigate the economic impact of rising fuel prices by approving a set of emergency measures that combine tax relief for consumers with new levies on profits in the oil sector.
Under a new decree, authorities decided to temporarily reduce the excise duty on standard diesel, while simultaneously introducing a special charge on exceptional earnings generated by oil producers and retailers. The move is part of a broader response to rising energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The government specifically targeted diesel for tax relief due to its dominant role in domestic consumption and its strong influence on inflation. From 7 April, the excise duty will be lowered by approximately 0.06 euros per liter (or 0.072 euros including VAT). This adjustment will bring the tax level to around 500 euros per 1,000 liters and is expected to cost the state budget about 118 million euros.
To offset this fiscal impact, the decree introduces a solidarity levy on companies involved in crude oil extraction and sales. The contribution applies only to extraordinary profits generated under current market conditions and may reach up to 60% of additional earnings. Depending on oil price movements, the measure is projected to generate between 14 and 130 million euros in public revenue.
This latest intervention builds on earlier measures introduced at the end of March, when the government declared a temporary crisis in the oil and petroleum products market for the period from April through June. At that time, authorities also imposed caps on commercial margins across the fuel supply chain, limiting mark-ups to average levels recorded in 2025.
Despite these measures, fuel prices remain elevated. 95-octane petrol currently averages around 1.68 euros per liter, while diesel stands at approximately 2.025 euros per liter, highlighting continued pressure on both households and businesses.
