Government approved measures to stabilize fuel market and unblock capacities in electricity networks

The Government today approved several legislative amendments aimed at reducing the risk of disruptions in fuel supply and improving the management of connection capacities in electricity networks.

A draft law, approved at the Cabinet meeting, concerns strengthening the state’s intervention mechanisms in situations of energy alert or crisis. The document proposes measures that would allow a faster response by authorities and market operators in the event of import disruptions or major fluctuations in fuel prices.

Among the main provisions is the possibility for the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) to temporarily apply flexible mechanisms for calculating the price caps for gasoline and diesel during crisis periods. Thus, the regulatory authority could change the reference period used in calculating prices (e.g. 7 instead of 14 days) or use alternative quotations for petroleum products, in order to promptly reflect market developments in the final price and reduce the risk of imbalances.

The draft law also provides for the simplification of the logistics process for fuel supply. Thus, imported petroleum products could be delivered directly to filling stations, without the mandatory requirement to pass exclusively through oil depots. The measure will shorten delivery times, avoid overloading storage infrastructure and help prevent shortages during periods of high consumption or import difficulties.

Additionally, the Ministry of Energy proposed supplementing the draft law with a provision aimed at preventing the blocking of available capacities in electricity networks. This measure is justified by the fact that some participants in tenders for energy projects have reserved, through connection permits, network capacities larger than those actually proposed in the tenders, without subsequently implementing the respective projects. The practice has led to the unjustified occupation of available network capacities.

Thus, the measures are necessary to avoid blocking investors’ access to the grid, to prevent discriminatory treatment between applicants and to ensure more efficient use of the power infrastructure.