Romania Can Become a Regional Kerosene Supplier to Cover Europe's Deficit. AEI Director: 'A Matter of Will'

Romania stands at a critical juncture, presented with a significant strategic opportunity to bolster its position within the European energy landscape. The current deficit in kerosene across the European Union, exacerbated by import reliance and supply chain disruptions, creates a unique opening for Romania to emerge as a key regional supplier. This is not merely an economic prospect; it is a chance to reassert our strategic importance on the continent.

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After Romania wasted the strategic opportunity to truly count at the European decision-making table, self-annulling its energy role within the European Union and reducing itself to the status of a simple exporter of gas from the Black Sea, we are witnessing the repetition of the same pattern.

However, as highlighted by Dumitru Chisăliță, president of the Association of Intelligent Energy (AEI), there's a concerning pattern of missed opportunities. Romania has previously relinquished its influence in European decision-making and reduced its role to a mere gas exporter. The current situation with kerosene mirrors this past inertia. Chisăliță argues that a focus solely on domestic diesel production, as proposed by the Ministry of Energy, is shortsighted. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach: increasing kerosene production for the EU market while maintaining domestic diesel supply, contingent on our refineries' technological capacities.

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Europe does not have an oil crisis. It has a crisis of kerosene refined in the wrong place. Romania can do something valuable.

Chisăliță's analysis is sharp and calls for a more ambitious national strategy. He states, "Europe does not have a oil crisis. It has a crisis of kerosene refined in the wrong place. Romania can do something valuable." This sentiment underscores the potential for Romania to become a vital hub, supporting the energy security of the southeastern continent. The AEI president warns that if Romania fails to act decisively, it will not be due to a lack of resources, but a deficit of political will, leading to another instance of "Romania was there, but did not matter."

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If Romania does not do it, it is not a problem of resources, but of will. And, again, it will most likely be classified in the classic chapter: Romania was there, but did not matter.

The urgency is palpable, with the International Energy Agency warning of only a few weeks' supply of jet fuel in Europe. This situation, amplified by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, could lead to widespread price hikes and flight cancellations. For Romania, this is a call to action, a chance to demonstrate foresight and strategic capability, and to secure a more influential role in the European energy architecture.

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Europe has only six weeks of kerosene left.