Moldova moves to safeguard diesel supplies - EXCLUSIVE
Moldova’s energy regulator has introduced changes to the way maximum retail diesel prices are calculated as part of measures aimed at safeguarding fuel supplies and maintaining market stability during the current energy alert.
This was said by the Director General Alexei Taran from the National Agency for Energy Regulation of the Republic of Moldova (ANRE), in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
The measures were introduced after the government declared a state of alert in the energy sector and the National Crisis Management Commission adopted measures concerning the import and retail sale of petroleum products.
Under the decision, ANRE will calculate the maximum retail price of standard diesel using average CIF Med Cargo quotations instead of FOB Med Cargo quotations, while applying an additional $25 per tonne to cover extra costs related to purchasing and transporting diesel.
According to Taran, the measure is intended to ensure continuity of supply and the stable and uninterrupted functioning of Moldova’s fuel market during crisis situations.
ANRE and the National Crisis Management Commission (CNMC) could also adjust the pricing formula if international market prices rise more sharply. One possible measure would be to shorten the period used to calculate average quotations, allowing increases in acquisition costs to be reflected more rapidly in retail prices.
Taran stressed that Moldova’s regulatory framework is designed to strike a balance between the interests of consumers and petroleum companies while ensuring the sustainability of the sector. The objective, he said, is not necessarily to guarantee the lowest possible prices, but rather to ensure fair prices.
ANRE believes the existing pricing mechanism has already demonstrated its resilience during significantly more severe disruptions. According to Taran, Moldova’s five years of experience in setting petroleum product prices showed that the system successfully passed the tests posed by the 2022 crisis following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the Persian Gulf crisis in March 2026, both of which had a substantially greater impact than the current situation. This experience confirms the reliability of the existing regulatory mechanism, he said.
Taran also clarified that ANRE does not have the legal authority to provide special concessions to fuel importers, such as VAT exemptions, excise-duty exemptions or payment holidays. Such measures fall within the responsibilities of other central authorities.
Photo: Chat GPT
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
