LUKOIL fuel stations in Moldova may continue operating until autumn

The presence of LUKOIL fuel station network on the petroleum products market in the Republic of Moldova could be extended for another six months. Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu announced that the company’s activity could be prolonged until October 29, the decision being motivated by the need to maintain stability in fuel supply, especially in regions where there are no alternative filling stations.

According to the official, the measure is being examined in the context in which the oil giant holds a significant share of over 20% of all filling stations in the country. The impact of a potential immediate withdrawal would be felt most acutely in rural areas and in certain districts where LUKOIL is the only operator present, as a sudden suspension of operations could leave entire communities without access to gasoline and diesel.

At the end of last year, the Ministry of Energy announced that Lukoil could continue its retail activity until the spring of 2026. At that time, the U.S. Treasury, through the OFAC office, issued an additional license for Lukoil’s retail operations, extending the possibility for the gas stations to function until March or April 2026.

According to Junghietu, this decision came as a result of commercial discussions conducted by Lukoil with several potential buyers of its assets in the Republic of Moldova, a process that can last up to six months, given the complexity of the company’s operations in the region and worldwide.

The measure was intended to ensure continuity of services for consumers and stability in the sector while the transaction process for Lukoil’s assets in the Republic of Moldova is finalized.

The sanctions imposed in October 2025 by the United States on Lukoil and Rosneft marked a major shift in the energy sector. These measures targeted both the parent companies and their subsidiaries, affecting exploration, production, refining activities, and their gas station networks. The sanctions were adopted to limit the financial support these companies were providing to the Russian economy, involved in the war in Ukraine.

As a consequence, Lukoil began selling its international assets, including gas stations in Europe, to avoid the impact of the sanctions. In the Republic of Moldova, the authorities closely monitored the situation to ensure fuel supply and manage possible adjustments on the local market, while private operators gradually took over retail activities.

This series of sanctions forced countries dependent on Russian companies to rethink their energy strategies and rapidly adapt to the new market conditions, underlining the importance of security and diversification of energy supply.