Three prospective buyers from Romania, the European Union and the United States have expressed interest in acquiring Lukoil’s Romanian assets, which include the Petrotel refinery, a nationwide fuel distribution network and an offshore exploration block. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan confirmed the developments, noting that some bidders are pursuing a broader, global acquisition of Lukoil’s international portfolio. He said Romanian authorities were notified weeks earlier, but emphasized that the transaction itself will be concluded strictly between private companies. Bucharest’s role, he added, is limited to enforcing existing US sanctions that currently affect Lukoil’s operations.
Minister Ivan reiterated that Romania has not sought any extension of the US sanctions deadline, stressing that the country is no longer dependent on Russian oil supplies. He also revealed that new legislation is being drafted to allow the state to impose special administrative oversight over Lukoil’s facilities if necessary. The details of this mechanism remain under development within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and other institutions.
Earlier, the Government had considered temporarily taking over operations at the Petrotel refinery, widely regarded as the most problematic asset in Lukoil’s Romanian portfolio. However, the focus has now shifted toward preparing a regulatory framework that would support an orderly transfer of ownership, though no formal measures have yet been announced.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that Lukoil has been granted an extension until 13 December, during which the Government may take further action. For now, the Petrotel refinery remains offline for maintenance, and the president assured that no immediate supply disruptions are expected in the coming weeks.
