Clearer rules for storing petroleum products intended for emergency situations

The Government is establishing clearer rules for the storage of petroleum products intended for emergency stocks and is strengthening the supply security mechanism. A draft law to this effect has been approved by the Government.

The proposed amendments create the necessary framework for emergency stocks to be kept in authorized facilities, with separate records, traceability, and continuous monitoring, so that petroleum products are physically available and accessible when needed.

"This is a concrete measure to protect the market and the economy from possible supply disruptions. The petroleum products market is in a fairly complicated period, and the conflict in the Middle East, which has had a strong impact on market volatility and created logistical difficulties, has once again shown us how vulnerable fuel supply can become when external factors arise. Since the beginning of this year, we have faced several crisis situations generated by external factors, and for a state like the Republic of Moldova it is essential to have tools that allow us to intervene quickly to protect consumers," said Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu.

The draft law proposes the introduction of a clear distinction between ordinary commercial storage and the storage of petroleum products intended for the establishment and maintenance of emergency stocks.

Operators of storage facilities that will store petroleum products intended for emergency stocks will be required to obtain a special authorization from the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), issued free of charge for a period of 5 years. The authorization will apply exclusively to the activity of storing fuels intended for the establishment and maintenance of emergency stocks. At the same time, operators that use the facilities exclusively for keeping commercial stocks will not be required to obtain this authorization or to adapt their facilities to the special conditions applicable to emergency stocks.

The new framework also creates the possibility for authorized private operators to participate in the mechanism for establishing and maintaining emergency stocks, which can stimulate the development of petroleum storage infrastructure on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.

The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) will be responsible for collecting and systematizing data regarding the authorization regime, including information on submitted applications, issued authorizations, authorized capacities, examination deadlines, as well as any identified non-compliances.