Decision taken against backdrop of fuel shortages
Amid a growing fuel shortage, Moldova’s National Crisis Management Centre has allowed the Russian oil company Lukoil to resume sales of existing fuel stocks.
The decision permits the company to sell remaining reserves of automotive fuel through its network of filling stations.
“Operators are allowed to use only existing stocks of petroleum products, including diesel fuel, to replenish reserves and sell through their national network of filling stations. New purchases are permitted exclusively on the domestic market,” said the head of the Centre, Sergiu Diaconu.
Context of previous restrictions
Lukoil had previously faced restrictions as Moldova pursued a policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russian energy supplies.
The current decision comes as fuel shortages have led to increased demand and queues at petrol stations. In this context, authorities have opted to allow the use of existing reserves to stabilise supply.
