Romania faces soaring diesel prices and energy costs, prompting calls for government action

Romanian deputy prime minister and interim agriculture minister Tanczos Barna said diesel prices are "unacceptably high" and warned that the temporary cap on commercial margins on fuel has not been extended. He urged a rapid price reduction now that international oil prices have fallen, and said the government is consulting with private operators about possible new legislative measures.

Mihai Bordeanu, head of Dacia Romania, echoed the concerns, stating the country is "in a competitiveness trench" because of unpredictable energy costs, which are the highest industrial prices in Europe. He highlighted that the auto sector, Romania's top exporter employing about 230,000 people and contributing roughly 14% of GDP, has seen investment cuts, a halted expansion project, and the loss of 955 jobs at the Mioveni plant.

Both officials called for a clear policy roadmap to stabilise energy prices and protect the economy and key industries.