Oil products reserves in Moldova are currently sufficient and do not pose systemic risks to consumers - the National Energy Regulatory Agency
As reported by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), due to tensions in the Middle East, the energy regulator has created a mechanism for daily accounting of fuel reserves at importing companies. Based on this, ANRE constantly monitors the level of reserves, which allows it to identify and prevent potential risks to the supply of petroleum products to the domestic market in advance. Currently, total fuel reserves in warehouses cover diesel fuel consumption needs for seven days. At the same time, the port of Giurgiulești has diesel fuel reserves for approximately four days. In addition, reserves at gas stations cover retail consumption for approximately 10 more days. ANRE notes that supplies from the port of Giurgiulești may not only be destined for the Moldovan market, especially in the context of increased demand in the region. It is for these reasons that the government has today introduced measures to limit the volumes stored at the oil terminal in Giurgiulești, which provides additional security for consumers in the country. ANRE emphasizes that responsible consumption is a necessary condition for maintaining demand within normal limits without placing additional strain on supply chains already affected by the situation in the Persian Gulf region. The energy regulator stresses that the existing mechanism for setting daily maximum retail prices for standard gasoline and diesel fuel, based on the 14-day average of Platts international quotations, protects consumers from sudden market fluctuations. Any immediate shocks caused by the geopolitical situation are mitigated by ANRE through the application of the calculation formula, with their impact manifesting either gradually or over a very short period of time. This mechanism provides consumers with an additional guarantee that they are paying a fair, economically justified price, rather than a speculative price or one subject to exaggerated risk factors. The mechanism proved its effectiveness, including during the crisis period of February-March 2022, after the start of the war in Ukraine, when the volatility of international quotations reached an exceptional level. Under these conditions, the formula used ensured that external changes were gradually reflected in the final price, maintaining transparency and preventing speculative adjustments. Therefore, ANRE considers that all criticism in the public sphere regarding the correctness of the method of setting fuel prices is completely unfounded and irresponsible. ANRE emphasized that against the backdrop of tensions in Iran, Brent crude oil prices rose to $84 per barrel (+15%), while Platts prices, which reflect oil products prices, have risen by $84 per ton of gasoline (+12%) and $224 per ton of diesel fuel (+33%) over the past two days. Diesel fuel remains the most sought-after product on the European market and, at the same time, the most difficult to replace in conditions of shortage. Similar growth rates were seen in the period from February to March 2022, when the war in Ukraine began. ANRE notes that it continues to monitor the situation and developments on international oil markets and assures consumers that the current mechanism is extremely transparent, guaranteeing maximum fairness in the formation of prices for petroleum products. // 04.03.2026 — InfoMarket
