Romania to сut diesel excise as energy crisis deepens

The Romanian government has decided to reduce the excise duty on diesel fuel as part of an initial package of measures aimed at addressing an energy crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said.

Speaking in an interview with Digi24, Bolojan explained that the government is prioritising diesel due to its sharp price increases and its dominant share in national fuel consumption.

“First of all, we will focus on diesel fuel, because it has seen the largest price increase. More than 70% of fuel consumption is diesel. Phased actions in this area will affect two-thirds of car owners in Romania,” he said.

He added that the government has not yet determined the exact level of the excise reduction, noting that the Finance Ministry “is currently working on the necessary calculations.” Bolojan also made clear that no similar measure is being considered for gasoline at this stage.

As part of a broader response, the government plans to establish a “solidarity fund,” which will be financed through “part of the excess profits” generated by companies operating in the oil market. The aim is to use these resources to help stabilise fuel prices for consumers.

According to sources cited by Digi24, coalition members also discussed the possibility of introducing an additional tax on fuel station operators during a meeting held on the evening of March 30, although no final decision has been taken.

Meanwhile, the Romanian outlet profit.earlier reported that the price of standard diesel at filling stations operated by two networks has surpassed the psychological threshold of 10 lei (approximately $2.27) per litre.

By Tamilla Hasanova