Energy Minister announces Moldova’s fuel stocks on Moldova 1 TV
The Republic of Moldova has diesel reserves for about 12 days, while gasoline supplies last over 20 days of consumption, reported Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu on the March 4 edition of the show IN CONTEXT on Moldova 1.
Authorities report that fuel reserves are monitored daily due to uncertainties in the energy market caused by the conflict in the Persian Gulf.
According to the minister, existing stocks in gas stations and warehouses are replenished as new fuel shipments arrive.
"In terms of diesel, we have sufficient stocks in gas stations and warehouses for approximately seven days of consumption. Additionally, there are still stocks in the warehouses in Giurgiulesti for another four to five days," stated Dorin Junghietu.
Regarding aviation fuel, Chisinau International Airport currently has about 3,000 tons available, with an additional 3,800 tons already contracted for delivery in March. The minister also noted that, considering the increased air traffic during the Easter holidays and the summer season, the airport has secured extra capacity for April and May.
Addressing the state of alert declared by the Government for a period of 60 days at the national level in the energy sector, the Minister emphasized that this is a preventive measure meant to protect consumers and critical infrastructure in case of potential disruptions in the energy market.
Furthermore, the Minister of Energy explained that the oil products market in the Republic of Moldova is regulated, with several importers and distributors operating within it. The government also maintains strategic reserves that can be utilized in exceptional circumstances.
"The government has stocks of oil products through the Material Reserves Agency. These volumes are intended to ensure necessary supplies in exceptional situations, especially for critical services," Dorin Junghietu explained.
Additionally, the Minister of Energy highlighted that fuel price trends are influenced by geopolitical conditions and the dynamics of the international oil market. He also reassured that there are mechanisms in place in the Republic of Moldova to soften the impact of any sudden increases in pump prices.
The Government has declared a national state of alert in the energy sector for a period of 60 days, starting March 4th of this year.
This Government Decision establishes strict rules for the management of energy resources over the next two months. It limits the export of petroleum products from the Port of Giurgiulesti, allowing it only under conditions that ensure minimum internal safety stocks. Additionally, it prohibits the re-export of fuels that were previously imported.
The state of alert is a response to increased volatility in oil markets, driven by the situation in the Middle East, the deterioration of energy infrastructure in Ukraine due to repeated attacks by the Russian Federation, and the impact of maintenance work and closures at some refineries in the region.
