Romania is approaching the end of an unusually cold winter with ample natural gas reserves and no immediate risk of price shocks, according to Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan. He stated that current supply levels are sufficient to meet domestic demand, and the upcoming removal of gas price caps is not expected to raise consumer bills.
Minister Ivan explained that the country has relied primarily on its own stored gas throughout the winter, a strategy that has also enabled Romania to export volumes and maintain a positive balance in regional trade. Storage injections began early last summer, ensuring reserves would cover national needs regardless of weather conditions during the heating season.
He also highlighted that Romania has fully cut off Russian gas imports over the past two years, freeing the country from supply-related pressures and allowing a more active role in the regional gas market. Beyond domestic consumption, Romania now functions as a transit and trading hub, reselling imported gas to Moldova and transporting it onward to Ukraine, generating revenue for Romanian companies while supporting neighboring states without affecting local availability.
Looking ahead to the post-winter period, the gas compensation scheme is scheduled to end on 1 April. Minister Ivan noted that market conditions are more favorable than in previous years, with current commercial offers on the open market already below the capped price level. As a result, the removal of the support mechanism is unlikely to push consumer prices higher, similar to the effect seen when electricity price caps were lifted.
Nonetheless, the Government is preparing contingency measures in case of renewed volatility in international gas markets. If prices spike again, as happened after the Ukraine war outbreak in 2022, authorities could temporarily reintroduce a gradually declining price cap lasting up to a year, potentially extending protection through 2027. The goal is to shield households and businesses from sudden increases while avoiding long-term distortions in the market.