Romanian fuel prices rise amid Middle East tensions and leu depreciation

Across Romania, gasoline prices continued to climb while diesel saw mixed movements. On 21 May, standard gasoline ranged from 9.24 lei/litre at Socar to 9.38 lei/litre at OMV and MOL, with Petrom, Rompetrol and Lukoil raising their rates by 0.10 lei to 9.38 lei. The next day, most networks held steady, but Rompetrol and Lukoil again increased prices to 9.38 lei, making that the market‑wide maximum. Diesel prices fell at Rompetrol (from 9.69 lei to 9.59 lei) and Lukoil (from 9.74 lei to 9.69 lei), while Petrom remained the cheapest at 9.53 lei.

Drivers report altered refuelling habits because of the higher costs, with many filling only enough fuel for essential trips. A litre of diesel reached about 9.60 lei and gasoline nearly 9.40 lei, reflecting a rise of roughly 1.20 lei for gasoline since late April. The surge is linked to ongoing Middle‑East conflict affecting oil transit routes, a weaker leu against the euro (5.24 lei per €), and an ordinance capping commercial margins that has not halted price growth. Experts warn the upward trend will likely continue in the coming weeks.