Expert: Romania Inefficiently Uses Energy Resources, Increasing Import Dependency

Romania's energy sector faces a critical juncture, not due to a scarcity of resources, but rather a profound inefficiency in their management. Energy expert Dumitru Chisăliță points to a system plagued by poor coordination, underinvestment, and a pattern of decisions that merely shift dependencies rather than resolve them. This analysis, based on INS figures for February 2026, reveals a deeper structural problem than mere consumption issues.

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România nu duce lipsă neapărat de resurse, ci le folosește ineficient.

The case of coal starkly illustrates this inefficiency. While the demand for coal has decreased by 20%, imports have skyrocketed by an astonishing 520%. This dramatic imbalance suggests that domestic production has collapsed faster than consumption, or that power plants are increasingly reliant on imported fuel. The argument for coal as a security guarantee is thus weakened, transforming it from a strategic resource into a costly, politically motivated illusion dependent on external supplies.

Similarly, the petroleum sector exhibits structural vulnerabilities. Although crude oil production has fallen by 9% and crude imports by 18%, imports of refined petroleum products, especially diesel, have surged by 23%. This trend indicates a potential weakness in Romania's refining capabilities or a strategic shift towards importing finished products rather than raw materials. The nation is becoming less energy sovereign, not more.

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Asta sugerează fie că producția internă s-a prăbușit mai rapid decât consumul, fie că termocentralele continuă să funcționeze, dar nu mai sunt alimentate eficient din surse interne, fie chiar că sistemul a ajuns într-un model paradoxal în care menține capacități „naționale” pe hârtie, dar le susține din import.

From the perspective of Adevărul, these findings are deeply concerning. They highlight a systemic failure to leverage domestic resources effectively and a growing reliance on external markets. The narrative of energy security is being undermined by paradoxical trends, where reduced domestic production and increased imports paint a picture of vulnerability. Addressing these inefficiencies is not just an economic imperative but a matter of national security, requiring a fundamental re-evaluation of Romania's energy strategy and investment priorities. The current path risks perpetuating a cycle of dependency and inefficiency, undermining the nation's long-term energy independence.

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„Aici semnalul este clar, România importă mai puțin materie primă și mai mult produs finit, mai ales motorină. Asta arată o slăbiciune de rafinare, de structură a cererii sau de optimizare comercială.