Romanian fuel prices stay high as Middle East tensions hinder market recovery
Fuel prices in Romania remain elevated despite a recent decline in global crude oil prices. Energy analysts attribute the delay to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which continues to disrupt supply chains. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said the market may need “three to four months” to stabilise, noting that while Middle‑Eastern producers hold large stockpiles, they are reluctant to move cargoes under current risks.
The shortage of refined products has kept gasoline and diesel margins high, with Romanian pump prices hovering around 8.6‑9.5 lei per litre and premium diesel above 10 lei. Data from dozens of stations show a modest rise in prices from early July, prompting the Romanian prime minister Ilie Bolojan to suggest a gradual decline could appear in the second half of the month. Similar price pressures are reported in neighbouring Moldova, where drivers also face higher costs.
Experts describe the situation as “quite astonishing” and warn that any new conflict could further delay a return to lower consumer fuel prices.