The Minister of Energy says that lowering the prices of gasoline and diesel is possible with the improvement of the budget situation and promises that the removal of the cap on gas will not lead to a new shock for the population.
The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, said on Antena 3 CNN that the state has clear levers at its disposal to intervene on fuel and energy prices, especially by reducing excise taxes, but only after the budget deficit situation will allow this. He pointed out that the current excise taxes directly weigh on the population and contribute significantly to inflation.
“In the case of fuels it is very simple. You can reduce 30-40 money from excise taxes at any time. As you have grown, you can also reduce” said the minister. According to him, a reduction of “45–50 bucks” to excise taxes could bring gasoline prices into the area of “7.30-7.50 lei per liter”.
Excise taxes and inflation
Bogdan Ivan explained that he has officially conveyed his opposition to the increase in excise duties since the beginning of the year, including the 10% increase in gas, electricity and fuels, as well as the 48% increase in the energy area. “I also opposed the increase in excise taxes in official addresses. The moment we talk about increased excise duties on energy, gas, fuels, the hand of the state reaches into the pocket of every Romanian“, he declared.
The minister blamed much of the inflation from 2025 on the removal of energy price caps. “The large share, of 60%, in the increase in inflation from 2025 was due to the elimination of the energy price cap, which was automatically reflected in every product and service”Ivan stated.
Eliminating the cap on gas, without the “black scenario”
Referring to the capping of gas prices, which is to be eliminated on March 31, 2026, the minister assured that the population will not feel a shock similar to the one on the electricity market. “We are ready for gas. It will not be the same dark scenario as it was for energyhe said.
Bogdan Ivan stated that there are already offers “at the same price or even lower than the ceiling pricet” and that the authorities are also prepared with a backup plan. “In the situation where, for reasons beyond our control, attacks by Russia or other international problems, we are prepared to gradually eliminate, for a year, this capping, so that the common man no longer feels the same dramatic increase”explained the minister.
Direct bill help for vulnerable consumers
The Minister of Energy also spoke about a simpler support mechanism for vulnerable consumers, by directly deducting the aid from the bill. “If he has an invoice for 150 lei, 50 lei should be deducted automatically and the invoice should come for 100 lei. So that we don’t put people on the roads anymore”, said Bogdan Ivan.
For gas, the aid would be “100 lei per month in the cold season“, also granted by direct deduction from the invoice. The measure would be applied based on the automatic verification of incomes, in interconnection with ANAF databases.
Energy independence and Neptune Deep
Bogdan Ivan pointed out that Romania currently covers over 90% of its gas needs from domestic production and imports only about 10% on very frosty days. “What is very certain is that we no longer depend on imports either from Russia or from elsewhere“, said the minister.
He also spoke about the Neptun Deep project, where it is to be extracted “8 billion cubic meters per year“, half of Romgaz and half of OMV Petrom. “I really want that gas to be used as much as possible in Romania, in Romanian industry, at fair costsIvan said, specifically mentioning the petrochemical and fertilizer industries.
Political and social message
The Minister of Energy admitted that the recent fiscal measures have affected the purchasing power of the population. “Purchasing power has eroded a lot, people have less money in their pockets”he stated, adding that his priority is ca “people who have worked for 40 years to have money for medicine and food”.
At the same time, Bogdan Ivan rejected the idea of changing the prime minister, arguing that the solution is to revise the measures that are not working. “We don’t change prime ministers or ministers on TV. We change measureshe said.
Finally, the minister emphasized Romania’s ambition to become a major energy player in the region. “Romania’s role must be that of the strongest energy hub and main player on the gas market in the region”concluded Bogdan Ivan.
Sharp message about the coalition and USR
Asked if it is out of the question for the current coalition to function without USR, Bogdan Ivan rejected the idea of a sudden break in the government. “Speaking of legislation, it’s not like saying Abracadabra, from tomorrow X goes to govern“, said the minister.
However, he strongly criticized the opposition-type behavior within the Executive. “I strongly believe that there are some oppositional attitudes within the government and they have no business there. PointIvan said. After the moderator noted that PSD also had critical positions within the coalition, the minister replied: “The moment you see the aberrations, you cannot be silent“.
Bogdan Ivan concluded that the government’s priority must remain protecting purchasing power and reducing pressure on the population. “I’m interested in people having money for food, medicine and bills at the end of the month“said the minister.
