Romania sees diesel price surge as emergency price cap expires
On 30 June 2026 the Romanian government’s temporary diesel‑price‑cap scheme ended. Premier Ilie Bolojan and Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare met fuel‑industry operators to assess market risks and warned of possible price volatility. The government signalled it could re‑introduce a price‑cap if prices do not fall.
On 1 July 2026 diesel prices rose sharply, reaching 9.60 lei per litre at OMV and MOL stations and 9.54 lei at Petrom, an increase of up to 38 bani per litre. The jump reflects the reinstated excise tax (the earlier 0.30 lei per litre reduction expired) and the removal of the commercial‑margin cap, with about 36 bani of the rise attributed to tax and the remainder to commercial pricing. Analyses show the new level exceeds cost‑based scenarios, though some retailers absorbed part of the shock. The rise adds pressure on transport, agriculture, construction and logistics firms and may feed broader inflation, while the state recorded 7.5 billion lei in fuel excise revenue between January and April 2026.