Romania faces diesel shortage risks and record high prices

Romania is facing a potential diesel shortage this winter amid a global fuel crisis and significant price hikes. According to an analysis by the economic think tank Frames, diesel prices in Romania have risen by nearly 40% since the beginning of the year, reaching an average of 10.90 lei per litre.

Analyst Adrian Negrescu warns that the risk of supply disruptions is no longer theoretical. While official emergency reserves are reported to be sufficient for 90 days, experts caution that this does not guarantee 90 days of continuous availability at the pumps. The country's supply remains vulnerable due to its dependence on international import routes and a global diesel deficit that could persist until 2027.

In addition to supply concerns, petrol prices have also seen substantial increases, rising approximately 32% since January to an average of 10.10 lei per litre. The price surge is linked to international market volatility, including high Brent crude prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, such as Houthi attacks on shipping and infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz.