Guvernul: Fără Plafon la Gaze - Costuri după 4 Ani

Romania is preparing for a significant shift in its natural gas market as price controls, implemented during the European energy crisis that began in 2021, are set to be lifted on March 31, 2026. The current situation mirrors earlier changes in the electricity market, and officials are working to manage the transition to avoid sharp increases in household bills.

Navigating the End of Price Controls

Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan stated that preparations are underway to liberalize the gas market in a way that prevents a sudden “bubbling” of energy costs. He indicated that offers are already appearing in the market at prices equal to or even below the current capped price, due to proactive measures taken by his team. Ivan also revealed a “Plan B” to gradually reduce the price cap over a year, should international events – such as disruptions in Ukraine or infrastructure issues – threaten supply.

Did You Know? The total cost of intervening to control energy prices in Romania has reached approximately 30 billion lei since 2021, with 12 billion lei specifically allocated to natural gas.

Ivan emphasized a focus on ensuring sufficient gas liquidity in the market, securing two-year bilateral contracts, and leveraging regional trading opportunities. He highlighted Romania’s extensive natural gas transport network as a key asset in these preparations. He stated that legal mechanisms have been established to prevent price spikes when the price cap ends.

The Cost of Intervention

The price caps were initially implemented to shield consumers from soaring energy costs across Europe. An analysis by Dumitru Chisăliță, president of the Asociația Energia Inteligentă, indicates that while the measure was effective in the early stages, its benefits diminished after 2023. Chisăliță argues that the scheme evolved into a form of hidden state financing, relying on delayed payments and ultimately transferring costs to consumers.

According to Chisăliță, the state promised payments to suppliers but did not fulfill them, forcing suppliers to borrow money to maintain the scheme. The cost of these loans, he claims, will be “discretely” passed on to the population. Data analyzed between 2020 and 2025 shows that in 2022, consumers paid approximately 26% less than they would have on a free market. However, between 2023 and 2025, they paid around 14% more than the estimated free market price.

Expert Insight: The shift from direct price protection to a system where consumers may ultimately bear the costs of past interventions highlights the complex trade-offs inherent in government attempts to manage market forces.

Looking ahead to 2026-2028, estimates suggest consumers could pay approximately 18% more than the maximum price during that period, compared to a scenario without price controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening with gas prices in Romania?

The price cap on natural gas, implemented during the European energy crisis, is scheduled to be removed on March 31, 2026. The government is preparing for the liberalization of the market.

How much has the price cap cost so far?

The total cost of interventions to control energy prices, including both electricity and natural gas, has reached approximately 30 billion lei up to 2025, with around 12 billion lei specifically for natural gas.

Was the price cap effective?

An analysis suggests the price cap was most effective in 2022, but its benefits diminished after 2023, becoming more of a financing mechanism than a true protection for consumers.

As the market liberalizes, will Romania be able to navigate the transition without significant financial strain on households?

Guvernul: Fără Plafon la Gaze – Costuri după 4 Ani