Romania coal output falls in early 2026 as energy transition pressures grow

Romania’s coal market is showing early signs of a structural retreat as the country’s long-term energy transition gathers pace. Data published by the National Institute for Statistics (INS) show that net coal production during January and February 2026 totaled 244,400 tons of oil equivalent, a decline of 26.1% (down 86,400 tons) compared with the same period in 2025.

Production down sharply; imports rise

While domestic output weakened, Romania increased coal purchases from abroad. In the January–February period, the country imported 20,700 tons of oil equivalent of coal—up by 16,800 tons (+430.8%) year-on-year.

Outlook: further contraction as new capacity comes online

The INS figures align with expectations that both production and imports will continue to ease by 2027 as new energy generation capacities come online. Estimates from the latest Energy Balance Forecast published by the National Strategy and Forecasting Commission (CNSP) project that coal production and imports will fall by 11.4% and 24.5%, respectively.

Long-term decline in coal dependence

Under this outlook, Romania’s coal production is estimated at 1.718 million tons of oil equivalent for 2025 (down 10.5%), then at 1.555 million for 2026 (down 9.5%), before reaching 1.432 million for 2027 (down 7.9%). The trajectory points to a gradual long-term reduction in coal dependence rather than a short-lived fluctuation.