Romania monitors sale of Lukoil assets amid US sanctions

Romanian authorities are closely monitoring the sale of assets owned by the Russian energy giant Lukoil in the country, which include a major oil refinery and around 100 petrol stations.

The move follows sanctions imposed by the United States, but the government has reassured that there is no immediate risk of these assets being acquired by another Russian company, Caliber.Az reports per Romanian media. 

Romanian President Nicușor Dan confirmed that a special government working group is handling the issue of Lukoil’s assets. He explained that while the refinery is currently undergoing technical maintenance, it is expected to resume operations in the coming months.

Dan emphasised that the shutdown does not currently affect fuel supplies in the country, although he acknowledged that a longer-term halt in processing could lead to the need for increased imports.

The president also noted that one possible solution under consideration involves creating a special regulatory framework that would allow the Romanian state to temporarily take control of Lukoil’s assets. This would be done for a limited period, ensuring the continued operation of the refinery and petrol stations during the transition period.

Radu Burnete, an adviser to the president, further reassured that there is no risk of the assets falling into the hands of companies with Russian connections. Burnete explained that Romania has a special commission that evaluates any potential buyers of strategic companies like Lukoil.

He stressed that if any applicant company were found to have ties to the Russian Federation, be under sanctions, or appear to be a mere "front" rather than a genuine investor, the Romanian government would have the right to veto the deal.

By Sabina Mammadli