Chișinău airport takes over Lukoil fuel assets to secure jet fuel supply
Representatives of the "Eugen Doga" International Airport in Chișinău (AIC) and the company Lukoil have signed a transfer agreement for the free transfer of the petroleum assets owned by the latter at the aerodrome.
The asset transfer process, which took place on November 13, aims to avert potential blockages in the vital supply of jet fuel (kerosene), Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu announced. Crucially, the necessary aircraft fuel could now be delivered by a Romanian company.
"The airport's fuel terminal is a critical state asset, making it imperative that the provision of jet fuel to the Moldova aviation sector continues without interruption," the minister stated.
The agreement serves as an emergency measure, ensuring the continuity of kerosene deliveries until a stable, long-term solution is found.
In parallel, the Ministry of Energy secured a deal with a Romanian company for the immediate supply of fuel to the Airport. Approval for this export is anticipated by Friday, November 14.
"During this interim period, Chișinău International Airport will be directly responsible for operating the petroleum terminal. The long-term plan involves AIC purchasing the assets and airport infrastructure outright from Lukoil," the official added.
Regarding the wider market impact, Junghietu noted that while Lukoil operates approximately 100 filling stations in the Republic of Moldova, the overall fuel market remains robustly diversified.
"Multiple operators are active, utilizing various logistical chains, including overland transport from Romania and supply via the Giurgiulești Port. National stocks are stable, and the market is well-provisioned with fuel," the minister affirmed.
Previously, experts had warned that sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom against Lukoil group entities would severely impact the Republic of Moldova. Specifically, the aviation sector is almost entirely reliant on kerosene supplied by the Russian company.
These sanctions are scheduled to take effect on November 21, 2025, constituting part of the coordinated Western response to Russia's war against Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
