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INFLATION The year-on-year inflation rate in Romania went up to 13.76% in April this year, as against 10.15% in March, according to data made public today by the National Statistics Institute. Non-food prices rose by 16.35%, foodstuff prices by 13.54%, and services are 7.11% more expensive. Yesterday, in order to curb the inflation rise, the central bank announced a new increase in the key interest rate, which will trigger a rise in consumer and inter-bank loan interests. The National Bank of Romania expects the inflation rate to surge this summer more than previously forecast, and says the rate is not likely to return to under 10% until the second half of next year.
VISIT The Speaker of the Senate of Romania, Florin Cîţu, is on an official visit to Poland today, at the invitation of his counterpart, Tomasz Grodzki. The main topics on the agenda are opportunities to consolidate bilateral relations between the 2 countries, the war in Ukraine and the economic fallout of the Russian aggression. Florin Citu announced that after his visit to Poland he will travel to the Republic of Moldova.
DIPLOMACY The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu takes part today in a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh, held in Marrakesh, Morocco. According to the ministry, the meeting will be co-chaired by the USA and Morocco, with over 75 representatives of the member states and international organisations expected to attend. Most member states are NATO and EU members, partner states in the Western Balkans, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, as well as the EU, NATO, and INTERPOL. The main topics will include the security situation in Iraq and Syria, as well as terrorism-related developments in Africa and Afghanistan. Bogdan Aurescu will highlight Romania's contribution as a Coalition member, including its participation since 2016 both in the Coalition Forces (as part of Operation Inherent Resolve and of the NATO mission in Iraq), and in the stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in the countries affected by ISIS activities.
GOVERNMENT A draft emergency order to prevent speculation is being discussed today by the government of Romania. The decision comes after fuel, sunflower oil or masks and disinfectant prices skyrocketed overnight, in the context of the war in Ukraine or before that, during the pandemic. Speculation was criminalised before in Romania, shortly after WWII and after the fall of the communist regime in 1990.
NATURAL GAS A bill to amend the Offshore Act, which will green light the development of natural gas reserves in the Black Sea, is discussed as of today by the Senate of Romania. According to the ruling coalition, which has tabled the bill, this is a much more balanced text than the one drafted 4 years ago. Tax facilities have been introduced for the companies interested in taking part in the development project, and in a few years' time Romania's reliance on Russian gas is expected to become significantly lower. The energy minister Virgil Popescu emphasised that by amending the current legislation onshore investments will also be encouraged, supply security will be ensured in case of an energy crisis and Romania may become a provider of regional energy security. Under the bill, the Romanian government will have pre-emptive rights in purchasing the natural gas. Romania's biggest public natural gas producer, Romgaz, and the Austrian company OMV will extract the natural gas in the Black Sea in the coming years.
COVID-19 The 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose will be available on request in Romania, in vaccination centres and family physician practices, as of May 16. According to the health ministry, only Pfiser vaccines can be administered, to people over 18 who have received 3 doses of mRNA vaccines, and at least 4 months after they have received the 3rd dose. Meanwhile, the health ministry announced 705 new COVID-19 cases and 7 related deaths in 24 hours. 144 COVID patients are currently in intensive care.
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