Romania trims diesel excise and adds profit levies to contain fuel-price pressure

Romania is moving to soften the economic hit from elevated fuel prices with a two-pronged emergency package that combines consumer-focused tax relief and new charges aimed at oil-sector profits. The measures come as energy costs remain under pressure amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and they are designed to reduce inflation sensitivity without leaving the state budget exposed.

Diesel excise cut from 7 April

Under a new decree, authorities will temporarily reduce the excise duty on standard diesel while adding a special charge on exceptional earnings generated by oil producers and retailers. The diesel tax relief takes effect from 7 April, lowering excise duty by approximately 0.06 euros per liter (or 0.072 euros including VAT). Officials said this adjustment brings the tax level to around 500 euros per 1,000 liters and is expected to cost the state budget about 118 million euros.

Solidarity levy targets extraordinary oil earnings

To offset the fiscal impact of the diesel cut, the decree introduces a solidarity levy on companies involved in crude oil extraction and sales. The contribution is set to apply only to extraordinary profits generated under current market conditions and may reach up to 60% of additional earnings. Depending on how oil prices move, the government projects public revenue of between 14 million and 130 million euros.

Part of a broader response during an April–June crisis

The latest intervention builds on steps announced at the end of March, when Romania declared a temporary crisis in the oil and petroleum products market for the period from April through June. At that time, authorities also imposed caps on commercial margins across the fuel supply chain, limiting mark-ups to average levels recorded in 2025.

Fuel prices remain high despite interventions

Even with these measures in place, fuel prices continue to run elevated. Current averages show 95-octane petrol at around 1.68 euros per liter and diesel at approximately 2.025 euros per liter, underscoring ongoing pressure on both households and businesses as policymakers try to balance affordability with fiscal constraints.