The Government published a draft amendment to Emergency Ordinance 19/2026 aimed at temporarily addressing the crude‑oil market crisis. The proposal introduces two main measures: a solidarity levy for certain oil‑sector operators and a temporary reduction of the standard diesel excise duty.
Key points in the draft
- Solidarity levy for operators extracting crude in Romania and/or refining it, applicable only in months when average Brent exceeds USD 70/barrel. For crude sellers, the levy is 60% of “excess revenue” above the threshold; for refineries, a progressive tax (1.5%–9.9%) on revenues from refined products is proposed.
- Temporary diesel excise cut to ease pressure on pump prices and broader inflationary effects in transport and the economy.
The draft also proposes separate accounting/operational records, arm’s‑length rules for related‑party transactions and penalties for non‑compliance. It would also cap retail petrol/diesel price increases to at most one per day, while allowing decreases at any time.
For transport operators (including maritime), fuel prices remain a critical cost driver. We will monitor the final form of the act and its potential impact on operating costs.
Romanian version: https://www.anconav.ro/ro/proiect-modificare-oug-19-2026-contributie-solidaritate-acciza-motorina/