Vega Refinery in Ploiești fined for air pollution violations

The Vega refinery in Ploiești has been issued fines totaling 395,000 lei following eight environmental inspections conducted by the Environmental Guard in 2026. According to reports from the Prahova Prefecture, the sanctions stem from excessive concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide.

Specific violations include hydrogen sulfide levels exceeding 15 micrograms per cubic meter between July and September 2026. Additionally, sulfur dioxide levels were recorded at 377.3 micrograms per cubic meter on October 18, surpassing the legal hourly limit of 350 micrograms per cubic meter.

The Environmental Guard has requested that the operator, Rompetrol Rafinare, implement measures to reduce fugitive emissions and dust. The operator maintains the right to contest these penalties within 15 days.