Fuel excise reduction ends on 30 June
Diesel prices in Romania are scheduled to increase from 1 July after a temporary reduction in fuel excise duties expires. Average pump prices are expected to move above 1.81 euros per liter, reversing the short-term relief introduced earlier this year. On 29 June, the average retail diesel price was around 1.76 euros per liter.
The temporary support package is due to end on 30 June, with excise duties set to revert automatically to previous levels unless further policy action is taken. Romania’s current caretaker government does not have the authority to extend or modify the measure.
April tax cut and solidarity contribution change
The tax cut was introduced in early April by the government led by Ilie Bolojan. It was implemented in response to rising oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Alongside the reduced excise duty, authorities lowered the solidarity contribution paid by energy companies.
Together, the changes reduced fuel prices by approximately 0.068 euros per liter, including VAT. The expected diesel price increase is tied to the return of full excise duties at the start of July.
Political uncertainty and regional fuel price positioning
The timing of the fuel-price adjustment coincides with ongoing political uncertainty in Romania. Negotiations to form a new government are still underway, but discussions between parliamentary parties and President Nicușor Dan have not yet produced a fully empowered cabinet capable of adopting fiscal adjustments.
The expected increase also follows a recent easing in international crude oil prices after diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran. Even with that development, Romania’s fuel market is becoming relatively more expensive within the European Union. Petrol prices are already above the EU average, while diesel prices are close to the mid-range of the bloc.
In previous years, Romania, together with Bulgaria, had often been among Europe’s lowest-cost fuel markets. Recent EU comparisons place Romania’s diesel pricing near the middle of the range rather than at the bottom end.
