Fuel Crisis: How a 40% Price Rise Could Hit Pensioners' Budgets

Romania is facing a potential fuel crisis that could have devastating effects on the budgets of pensioners and seniors on fixed incomes. Energy expert Dian Popescu warns that the absence of urgent government measures could lead to price increases of over 40%.

The critical situation has been triggered by repeated strikes on the Trans-Caspian pipeline supplying Petromidia Refinery, the largest in the country. At the same time, Rompetrol's parent company has announced that the refinery will undergo scheduled maintenance at the beginning of February, for a period of one to two months.

The risks are compounded by the possible closure of the Burgas refinery in Bulgaria, owned by Lukoil, from which Romania imports significant quantities of fuel. This would result in a price increase of approximately 10 dollars per barrel due to the need to transport fuel by sea tanker.

Severe impact on seniors

For pensioners and seniors on limited incomes, a dramatic rise in fuel prices would trigger a devastating chain reaction. Transport costs would soar, pushing up the prices of food, medicines, and essential services that elderly people rely on every day.

Petromidia and Lukoil together account for 60–65% of Romania's fuel requirements, making the situation extremely precarious. If these production capacities do not return to normal swiftly, Romania will be forced to import massive quantities of fuel at speculative prices.

The expert proposes emergency measures: granting facilities for crude oil imports via the Black Sea for Petromidia, and high-level negotiations to protect the tankers supplying the refinery. Without swift action, a fresh fuel price surge would hit the most vulnerable groups hardest — including seniors who already spend a large proportion of their pensions on basic necessities.