Romania’s Ministry of Finance has confirmed a 25% reduction in diesel excise duty from 16 to 30 September 2026, following sharp increases in international diesel quotations and domestic pump prices.
Romania’s Ministry of Finance has confirmed a 25% reduction in excise duty on diesel for the period 16 September to 30 September 2026 in an announcement on 15 September 2026. This decision follows the bimonthly assessment process set out in Law no. 162/2026.
Ongoing market pressures
International diesel prices have climbed sharply in recent weeks. Platts diesel quotations rose 51.19% during the assessment period, while pump prices for standard diesel fuel increased 27.47%. The formula established by law determined that the 25% excise duty cut should remain in place based on these figures.
What the reduction means
The 25% cut removes RON 701.07 per 1,000 litres or RON 829.69 per ton from the excise tax. This brings the effective excise duty level on standard diesel to RON 2,103.22 per 1,000 litres or RON 2,489.05 per ton during this period.
How the mechanism works
Law no. 162/2026 created a dynamic system that reviews fuel market indicators every two weeks. The Ministry adjusts the excise duty reduction based on international quotations and domestic pump prices. This approach aims to shield transport and logistics sectors from sudden cost spikes and prevent fuel costs from pushing consumer prices higher across the broader economy.
The Ministry of Finance will continue tracking international prices and domestic market conditions.
