Moldova allows Lukoil to resume limited fuel sales amid energy crisis

Moldovan authorities have temporarily allowed the Russian oil company Lukoil to return to the domestic market to sell its existing fuel stocks, as the country grapples with an ongoing energy and fuel crisis.

The decision follows the government’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency in the energy sector, introduced in response to supply disruptions linked to halted deliveries from the Middle East, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Officials said the move is aimed at easing fuel shortages after several petrol stations operated by Lukoil-Moldova were forced to close. Moldova has also authorised the use of strategic fuel reserves to stabilise the market.

In a related measure, local transport operators were permitted on March 26 to raise fares to reflect rising fuel costs.

Lukoil, which came under US sanctions last autumn, had previously been one of the main suppliers of petrol and diesel to Moldova and the sole supplier of aviation fuel to Chișinău International Airport.

Under agreements reached earlier this year, the company’s assets in Moldova were transferred to state authorities in January 2026. The temporary authorisation allows the sale of existing stocks but does not signal a full return of the company to the Moldovan fuel market.

By Sabina Mammadli