A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 01.04.2026, 13:55
Ordinance. Gasoline and diesel prices fell today at the stations of Romania’s leading fuel distributor—OMV Petrom—following the entry into force of the ordinance capping the markup on fuel. In the capital city of Bucharest, the price of diesel fell by nearly 40 bani, to under 10 lei per liter, while for gasoline the reduction was only 3 bani, down to 9.32 lei per liter, according to Profit.ro. Experts predict that prices at Rompetrol, MOL, and Lukoil will also drop in the coming hours. On Tuesday, compared to February 28—the date of the first U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran—the average price of regular gasoline had risen by 1.44 lei per liter, and diesel by 2.18 lei. The government ordinance, which took effect today, stipulates that economic operators that produce, import, distribute, or sell fuels must apply, until June 30, a markup at last year’s average level. For economic operators that violate the rule, fines ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the turnover recorded in 2025 are provided for. Also during this three-month period, the biofuel content in gasoline will be reduced from 8% to 2%, and exports of diesel and crude oil will be permitted only with the approval of the Ministries of Energy and Economy. Failure to obtain these approvals will result in fines ranging from 5% to 10% of turnover. The government is also considering other measures to mitigate rising fuel prices.
Hormuz. The European Commission is recommending that member states take measures to conserve fuel, given that a shortage could arise if the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Brussels, the EU executive is also discussing the possibility of keeping prices at gas stations high to discourage consumption. Other recommendations from the International Energy Agency include working from home if possible, using public transportation, reducing speed by at least 10 km/h to lower fuel consumption, or carpooling. Additionally, public authorities could implement alternate-day driving restrictions based on license plate numbers.
Government. The Romanian Government has extended the price cap on markups for basic foodstuffs until June 30 of this year. The list of products covered by this decision includes white bread, yogurt, eggs, oil, chicken and pork, as well as flour, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The cap has been in effect for one year and three months, being periodically renewed through emergency ordinances. Meanwhile, the government has adopted a resolution allowing for the payment, by Easter, of salaries to employees at several strategically important industrial companies on the brink of bankruptcy. The total amount exceeds 257 million lei (over 50 million euros). At the Damen Mangalia shipyard on the Black Sea, the more than 1,000 employees, who have not received their salaries for three months, continued their protests on Tuesday for the ninth consecutive day. They announced that they will protest until April 6, when the Creditors’ Meeting has been rescheduled to discuss the company’s reorganization plan.
Corruption. The director of the Romanian Road Authority, Cristian Anton, has been taken into custody by anti-corrupton prosecutors, following a series of searches. The investigation concerns a corruption case involving exam fraud related to obtaining professional freight driver certifications. Cristian Anton is suspected of being part of an organized group that charged fees ranging from 600 to 1,500 euros to guarantee success on the exams. Legal sources say that 500,000 euros were found during the searches at the home of the head of the Road Authority. There are reportedly 12 suspects in the case, with suspicious activities being investigated both in Bucharest and in two counties across the country.
Moldova. On Tuesday in Bucharest, President Nicuşor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan assured Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu that the Republic of Moldova can always count on Romania’s support, whether regarding accession to the European Union, ensuring energy security, or increasing resilience against hybrid threats. In turn, Alexandru Munteanu thanked Romania for its support and cooperation. Also, at a specialized event held in Bucharest, he stated that the neighboring country is facing multiple crises caused by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf. According to him, the Republic of Moldova is affected by rising prices, disruptions in energy supply, river pollution, and drone incursions into its airspace.
Ukraine. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, and foreign ministers from EU member states, including Romania’s Oana Ţoiu, marked the fourth anniversary of the massacre committed by the invading Russian army in Bucha, Ukraine, with a visit to the small town on Tuesday. The officials expressed their support for Ukraine’s demand that Moscow be held accountable for these atrocities. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest, the visit to Bucha was followed by an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, held in Kyiv, focused on support for Ukraine and key regional security developments.
Football. Romania’s national soccer team was defeated by Slovakia 2-0 on Tuesday evening in Bratislava in a friendly match that marked the end of Mircea Lucescu’s tenure as head coach, who was absent from the match. He fell ill on Sunday and was hospitalized after Romania had previously lost the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup playoff, 0-1 to Turkey, in Istanbul. Slovakia also lost at home to Kosovo (3-4) in the semifinal of another playoff. Romania will play its next match on June 2, a friendly against Georgia in Tbilisi, most likely under a different head coach. (MI)
