Moldovan government approves new measures to protect consumers, ensure access to fuel

The government today approved a string of adjustments to the measures applied in the context of the state of emergency in the energy sector, in order to ensure the uninterrupted work of the energy market and prevent potential disruptions,

To protect diesel consumers, pricing and sales mechanisms will be adapted. During the state of emergency, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) will calculate prices based on a 7-day average instead of 14 days, which will allow for a faster response to developments on the international market and will help stabilize pump prices. Thus, any decreases in fuel prices on the international market will be reflected more quickly in consumer prices.

At the same time, to avoid potential fuel shortages, filling stations will be allowed to sell other types of diesel at the standard diesel price, if the latter is temporarily unavailable.

In addition, the ANRE will request that oil product importers submit realistic procurement plans within 5 days. At the same time, importers will be required not to reduce the volumes imported in April below the levels recorded in March. This measure is necessary, in order to ensure the replenishment of fuel stocks and to prevent potential market shortages.

Another measure concerns ensuring citizens’ access to fuel throughout the country. Presently, some Lukoil-Moldova stations are closed, which limits access to fuel in certain areas. To remedy this situation, citizens’ banking operations for the purchase of fuel on the local market and for supplying the stations are being facilitated.

Another goal is to ensure the continuity of service procedures for personnel in the public order and state security sector. Normally, during a state of emergency, this staff cannot submit resignation or retirement reports. In the current context, where the state of emergency refers to the energy sector, the application of these restrictions is not required.

“The aforementioned measures do not reflect a worsening of the situation; on the contrary, they represent a responsible and controlled adjustment of the state’s intervention, as we gain a clearer picture of developments and needs. We are de-bureaucratizing processes, acting preventively, step by step and proportionally, in order to maintain the functionality of vital services for citizens,” said the head of the National Crisis Management Center, Serghei Diaconu.

We remind that, following Russia’s military attacks on Ukraine on March 23 and the major risks identified, a state of emergency in the energy sector was established  with parliament’s approval, at the government’s proposal. Subsequently, immediate operational measures were adopted, in order to stabilize the situation and protect consumers.

Citizens are urged to use electricity rationally, especially during peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 18:00–23:00), in the context of the disconnection of the Isaccea–Vulcanesti high-voltage line. They are also advised to avoid overloading appliances, to charge phones and essential devices in advance, to ensure they have alternative lighting sources, to avoid using elevators in case of voltage fluctuations, and to follow official information issued by the authorities.