Moldova approves new rules for emergency petroleum product storage

The Moldovan government has approved a draft law to establish clearer regulations for the storage of petroleum products intended for emergency reserves. The initiative aims to strengthen the country's energy security and supply mechanisms.

Under the proposed framework, emergency stocks must be kept in authorized facilities with separate accounting, traceability, and continuous monitoring to ensure physical availability during crises. The law introduces a distinction between standard commercial storage and emergency reserve storage. Operators wishing to store emergency products must obtain a special five-year authorization from the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), which will be issued free of charge.

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that the measure is a concrete step to protect the market and economy from supply disruptions. He noted that external factors, such as the conflict in the Middle East, have increased market volatility and highlighted the vulnerability of fuel supplies.