The Romanian Government is exploring the possibility of bringing the Petrotel refinery in Ploiesti back into operation as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the domestic fuel market. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan stated that reopening the facility could increase the supply of petroleum products and help mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices caused by the conflict in Iran. According to the Minister, the refinery could process a significant share of Romania’s crude oil, potentially handling up to 20 % of the country’s total refining volume, which would result in additional petrol and diesel available locally.
The proposal is part of a wider government package of measures to manage energy sector volatility. Authorities are also adjusting operational plans at other refineries. Maintenance work at the Petromidia refinery has been postponed, while the Petrobrazi refinery is operating at full capacity to maintain supply levels.
Petrotel is owned by the Russian oil group Lukoil, whose assets in Romania and other countries are being put up for sale under US sanctions. The divestment process, overseen by the US Treasury Department, has a recently extended deadline of 1 April. Last year, the Romanian Government placed Petrotel under supervision but did not engage directly in its management while searching for a new owner. Officials believe that restarting the facility could provide an additional buffer for the domestic market as international oil prices fluctuate.
Minister Ivan noted that the recent surge in crude prices has already impacted fuel costs across Europe. In Romania, retail prices have risen by roughly 0.1 euros per liter on average, though the increase has been smaller than in several other European countries. Currently, diesel sells for about 1.74 euros per liter, while petrol has surpassed 1.66 euros.
Independent energy analysts also point to the structure of fuel pricing in Romania. According to Dumitru Chisalita, head of the Intelligent Energy Association, about half of the final retail price of fuel consists of taxes and duties. However, the Government has limited room to reduce these charges, as higher tax revenues are required to address the country’s significant budget deficit.
