In response to the escalating fuel prices affecting households and businesses, Romania has enacted emergency measures aimed at alleviating economic pressures through a combination of tax reductions and new levies targeting the oil sector. These actions are particularly relevant in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions that have influenced energy costs in the region.
The Romanian government has introduced a temporary reduction in the excise duty on standard diesel, effective from 7 April. This adjustment will lower the excise duty by approximately 0.06 euros per liter, bringing the tax to around 500 euros per 1,000 liters. The fiscal impact of this measure is projected to cost the state budget approximately 118 million euros.
To counterbalance the financial implications of this tax relief, authorities are also implementing a solidarity levy on oil companies, specifically targeting extraordinary profits accrued under current market conditions. This levy could amount to as much as 60% of additional earnings, with anticipated revenue generation ranging between 14 and 130 million euros, contingent upon fluctuations in oil prices.
This initiative builds upon earlier government measures declared at the end of March, which included a temporary designation of a crisis in the oil and petroleum products market. During this period, authorities imposed caps on commercial margins throughout the fuel supply chain, restricting mark-ups to levels consistent with averages recorded in 2025.
Despite these interventions aimed at stabilizing fuel prices, current market conditions indicate that costs remain high. As it stands, 95-octane petrol is averaging around 1.68 euros per liter, while diesel prices hover at approximately 2.025 euros per liter. These figures underscore the persistent challenges faced by consumers and businesses alike in navigating a volatile energy market.
