Romanian diesel prices could top 10 lei per litre as Middle East supply tensions rise

The Association Energia Inteligentă warns that diesel could break the 10 lei per litre mark in Romania between 5‑20 August 2026 if tensions in the Middle East persist and the Strait of Hormuz remains only partially operational. Brent crude is projected to trade around $90‑100 per barrel, creating large daily price swings.

Earlier in July, major Romanian fuel retailers – Rompetrol, MOL, Lukoil and SOCAR – raised diesel prices again, pushing the average to about 9.65 lei per litre, the highest level in weeks. Regional price listings for 21 July show the cheapest diesel around 9.49‑9.65 lei per litre.

Separately, Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to block the Bab el‑Mandeb strait, a route that carries roughly 7 % of global oil exports. If fully closed, crude could climb to $115‑120 per barrel, adding further pressure on European and Romanian fuel markets.