The Intelligent Energy Association (AEI) on Monday proposed ten measures to the authorities to mitigate the effects of the oil crisis, including a temporary mechanism to increase targeted compensation for transporters, agriculture and food distribution, a voucher for vulnerable households, a temporary reduction in excise tax, and accelerated VAT refunds in transport and agriculture.
AEI President Dumitru Chisăliță believes that a realistic and applicable package of measures must take into account three realities: crude oil is expensive and volatile, the price of diesel fuel in our country is high and Romania's fiscal space is limited, according to Agerpres.
In this context, the Association recommends, in a statement, not a general cap on pump prices, but targeted protection, liquidity for exposed sectors and a reduction in dependence on diesel.
The first measure proposed by AEI is a temporary mechanism to increase targeted compensation for transporters, agriculture and food distribution.
The second is a voucher or direct transfer for vulnerable rural households and low-income commuters, and the third is a temporary, limited reduction in excise duty.
Chisăliță also proposes the creation of an ‘operational buffer stock for diesel for essential services’. Thus, in addition to the mandatory strategic stocks, the state can organize an ‘operational buffer’ for: ambulances, fire brigades, local public transport, energy and water interventions, army/civil protection.
Another measure concerns an accelerated logistics efficiency programme for companies: eco-driving, routing, digitization, better loading, but also measures to reduce diesel consumption by changing the highway code (reducing driving speed, tyre pressure, etc.). Small grants or quick tax deductions are proposed for: routing software, telematics, eco-driving training, reducing idling, consolidating loads.
AEI also considers it necessary to accelerate VAT refunds and state payments to transportation and agricultural firms. To this end, the state can: shorten the VAT reimbursement period, pay subsidies and overdue invoices more quickly, create working capital guarantee lines.
In addition, in public transport, sanitation, public works and distribution, state contracts must include transparent formulas for adjusting for the price of diesel.
The eighth proposed measure is not to have a general cap on the price of diesel for the general public. The considerations are as follows: it would be very expensive fiscally if capping with compensation is applied; it would disproportionately help large consumers; it may create shortages, arbitrage and supply problems; Romania enters 2026 with serious fiscal constraints, so the room for general measures is limited.
In Chisăliță's opinion, the measure would only make sense in an extreme and very short scenario, such as a major supply crisis.
Another proposal aims to accelerate the electrification of urban transportation and local commuting: electric buses and trolleybuses, municipal fleets, school minibuses, charging infrastructure in cities and on local corridors. Through these measures, AEI estimates that fuel consumption can be reduced by 3%.
The latest proposal is for a ‘national program to shift some freight to rail and intermodal’ through logistics subsidies and infrastructure prioritization for intermodal terminals and combined transport and thus reduce fuel consumption by 2%.
The Intelligent Energy Association is dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, sustainability and transparency in the energy sector. Founded in 2016, AEI focuses on tackling energy poverty, supporting the transition to green energy and educating the public on energy rights and best practices.