Romania extends fuel crisis measures, but drivers face invisible price drops

Romanian drivers are unlikely to notice any significant price reductions at the pump, despite the Senate's decision to extend the energy crisis state until autumn 2026 and reduce mandatory biofuel additions. The approved legislation notably omits a previously considered VAT cut on fuel.

Instead, the central measure involves a flexible mechanism for reducing excise duties on diesel, ranging from 5% to 25%. However, analysts consulted by "Adevărul" suggest this will result in a negligible impact on pump prices. The estimated reduction for diesel is a mere 30 bani per liter, a figure described as a symbolic gesture rather than substantial relief.

Energy expert Eugenia Gusilov expressed disappointment with the final version of the law. She stated that a VAT reduction would have provided a more immediate and significant impact. While acknowledging that the current measures are better than nothing, she highlighted the missed opportunity for greater consumer benefit. Dumitru Chisăliță, president of the Intelligent Energy Association, was even more critical, labeling the law as a simulation of support rather than genuine aid for consumers. He argued that the minimal benefits from excise duty reductions are dwarfed by current price increases, rendering other provisions largely invisible to the public.

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Personal nu consider că acestea sunt cele mai bune sau mai eficiente măsuri care puteau fi luate, întrucât o reducere a TVA-ului ar fi avut un impact imediat mult mai mare și o scădere mai semnificativă. Totuși, chiar și așa, ceea ce avem acum este mai bun decât nimic, măcar s-au putut înțelege asupra unor măsuri, așa cum sunt ele.