Serghei Ivanov calls for diesel tax relief for Moldovan farmers

Serghei Ivanov, a Member of Parliament and President of the Committee on Agriculture and Food Industry, has criticized the fiscal burden placed on Moldovan farmers regarding diesel excise taxes. Ivanov claims that Moldovan agricultural producers face costs at least 302 lei higher per hectare compared to their European counterparts, a discrepancy he estimates could exceed 456 million lei nationwide.

Ivanov is advocating for a legislative mechanism that would allow farmers to purchase up to 70 liters of diesel per hectare without excise taxes, similar to the system currently used by vessels at the Giurgiulești International Free Port. He noted that in March 2026, diesel imports increased by 14,000 tons compared to March 2025, resulting in an estimated 57 million lei increase in excise revenue and over 150 million lei in additional VAT for the state.

The deputy emphasized that the compensation mechanism must account for various agricultural sectors, including livestock, orchards, greenhouses, and irrigation, rather than just cereal production. He called for greater clarity from the government on how fuel tax refunds will be calculated and which specific agricultural branches will be eligible for these facilities.