Moldovan energy minister says authorities hold negotiations with Lukoil, so that supply with oil products for aviation sector is not hit

The authorities are holding negotiations with Lukoil, so that the supply with oil products at the Chisinau International Airport should not hit. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu today made statements to this effect.

"There are more scenarios and proposals - our interest is to achieve the best result for Moldova in negotiations with Lukoil company, to whom we offer more options to resolve the situation," said Dorin Junghietu.

The minister noted that the authorities had undertaken a string of actions, in order to take over the infrastructure from Lukoil – Moldova Ltd company, and now it is the company's responsibility to carry out all actions urgently.

Dorin Junghietu also said that managing the fuel supply process for the aviation sector in Moldova involved continuous coordination between various state institutions, and the working group set up on this purpose was analyzing all feasible risks and options, in order to ensure the stability of the airport’s infrastructure.

The clarifications were made after the Council for Examining Investments of Importance for State Security (CEIISS) had submitted, at the end of last week, a purchase bid for the Lukoil depot at the Chisinau International Airport, allowing the state to take over the company's infrastructure and resources. The deadline for this bid is November 17.

 

At the same time, the energy minister referred to ensuring fuel supply for institutions and citizens, given that the USA announced sanctions against Lukoil.

"In Moldova, there is a diverse market, with more companies that can meet consumers’ demand. As for the public institutions, which have purchased fuel based on the 'lowest price' criterion, they will orient themselves to another supplier, considering that Lukoil will be in incapacity of supplying after November 21, 2025," said Dorin Junghietu.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has recently announced sanctions against major Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, in order to reduce Moscow's ability to fund its war effort in Ukraine.

In Moldova, Lukoil owns a number of fuel supply stations, supplies the petroleum market, and holds private ownership rights over the depot, supply, and aircraft refueling - the only depot at the Airport.