Moldovan drivers will face another increase in fuel prices over the coming weekend. According to a decision by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), the maximum retail prices for COR 95 gasoline and diesel fuel from July 25 to July 27 will exceed 30 lei per liter.
According to ANRE, the latest increase is the result of a sharp rise in global oil prices caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The regulator explained that the main reason for the price adjustment is the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil export routes. Additional pressure on prices has come from reports of attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Western media report that, at the opening of trading on July 24, the price of Brent crude reached $100 per barrel, approximately 37% higher than the previous trading session. As a result, Platts quotations rose significantly, with gasoline prices increasing by 15.7% and diesel by 20.6%.
Acting Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță previously acknowledged that Moldova cannot shield itself from fluctuations in global energy markets, although he described the current price shock as temporary.
ANRE emphasized that Moldova is entirely dependent on imported petroleum products, meaning international price fluctuations are directly reflected in domestic retail prices. Some commentators have argued that abandoning access to fixed-price Russian energy supplies has further increased the country’s exposure to volatile global markets.
Media reports also note that risks to global oil supplies are currently higher than at any point since the conflict began, while shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been severely disrupted.
Economists warn that if oil prices remain in the $100–110 per barrel range, Moldova could face significant economic difficulties. Should gasoline prices remain above 30–31 lei per liter and diesel reach 30–32 lei, transportation costs for businesses would rise substantially, triggering higher prices for food, construction materials, and many other goods while adding further pressure to inflation, which could increase by an additional 1–2 percentage points.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation has already accelerated. In July 2025, fuel prices increased by 1.7%, becoming one of the main drivers of rising prices for non-food goods. The National Bank of Moldova forecasts that inflation could peak at 8.6% during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The situation is expected to become even more challenging due to additional taxation. Beginning August 1, Moldova will introduce a new fuel levy of 48 bani per liter. State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Constantin Boroșan stated that the additional revenue will be used to strengthen the country’s energy security and independence.
