Diesel fuel retail prices in Moldova will adjust more quickly to external market changes - the National Energy Regulatory Agency
The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) reported this, noting that, in particular, this is provided for by measures adopted by the government under the state of emergency, following an analysis of the situation at the international and national levels, to facilitate diesel fuel supplies to Moldovan consumers. As noted by ANRE, faster synchronization of diesel fuel prices with external changes will allow for more rapid adjustments to retail diesel fuel prices in line with international quotations, which are currently showing significant daily fluctuations of up to $130 per ton. High volatility puts additional pressure on oil companies’ import capabilities, increasing the risk of not recouping costs for products purchased on short notice. The situation is exacerbated by a reduction in diesel fuel inventories to approximately 7 days of consumption, which significantly reduces the ability to amortize costs over a longer period, as would occur under normal conditions. At the same time, for standard gasoline, the calculation mechanism applied by ANRE remains unchanged, as available stocks remain at levels comparable to those recorded prior to February 28. ANRE noted that another measure adopted by the authorities was the authorization to sell premium-grade diesel fuel (with additives) in the absence of standard diesel fuel. The authorities have authorized the sale of diesel fuel with additives in situations where standard diesel fuel stocks are depleted. The price of premium-grade diesel fuel will not exceed the ceiling set by ANRE for standard diesel fuel. This measure is aimed at preventing the suspension of diesel fuel sales at stations where only premium-grade product is available. Under normal circumstances, the restriction was intended to ensure consumers’ freedom of choice between standard and premium products. However, under current conditions, this has led to situations where, despite having only diesel fuel with additives available, its sale was prohibited at some stations. As emphasized by ANRE, this measure is not mandatory. Thus, operators will be able to decide independently whether to continue selling diesel fuel with additives at a limited price during periods when the standard product is unavailable. ANRE also noted that in another decision, the government authorized Lukoil to use financial resources to supply its network of gas stations. Specifically, the use of funds held in Lukoil’s accounts at commercial banks in Moldova is permitted exclusively for the purchase of petroleum products necessary to supply its own network of gas stations. Thus, the goal is to increase the volume of petroleum product supplies to Lukoil’s network of gas stations and, as a result, reduce the burden on other distribution networks and the retail market as a whole. ANRE notes that the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to put pressure on the global oil industry and requires national authorities to intervene promptly, adapting the regulatory framework to new realities. The measures described are temporary in nature and apply exclusively during the state of emergency. ANRE, alongside the Ministry of Energy and the National Crisis Management Center, continues to monitor the situation and developments in the domestic and international oil markets and assures the citizens of Moldova that all measures and mechanisms implemented are aimed at striking a balance between consumer interests and the stability of the petroleum products market under the state of emergency. // 27.03.2026 — InfoMarket.
