Ana Groza and Alexandru Munteanu
The bill is aimed at ensuring continuity of market supply and preventing disruptions in fuel distribution in crisis situations. According to the document, during periods of emergency or high alert, the National Commission for Crisis Management will be able to introduce temporary derogations from the rules of fuel price formation to prevent shortages and market imbalances.
It is also proposed to clarify the regime for importing oil products: they will be imported into the country exclusively through customs points, but after customs clearance will be able to be delivered directly to warehouses or filling stations, without mandatory transit through intermediate warehouses.
Another important element of the project involves adjusting public procurement contracts, including those already in force, by introducing provisions allowing prices to be changed depending on cost dynamics – subject to strict conditions related to market fluctuations.
Groza: “The ministry did not invite companies to the discussions”
Discussions around the bill have caused tension between the authorities and private sector representatives. Ana Groza, President of the National Confederation of Patronage, criticized the lack of sufficient consultation and expressed concern about some of the changes made to the legislative framework.
“The legislative initiative is aimed at the petroleum products market, but the electricity law was amended at the initiative of the ministry. We do not deny or question the expediency of these changes, but it is a question of following the legislative procedure. We talked to representatives of the energy sector and private companies, who confirmed that the ministry did not invite them to these discussions. We do not demand anything other than a review of the proposals included in the opinion and consultations with representatives of the sector,” Groza said.
Munteanu: “It’s not true.”
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu rejected the accusations, claiming that the consultation process took place and that some reactions are attempts to block reforms.
“It is not true that they were not consulted. This is what I am telling you, as I myself was personally involved in this situation. It is a question of dragging out time. We are not in court. In court, when there is no objection on the merits, they move on to procedure. That is exactly what is happening here. We cannot tolerate such manifestations, and I ask you to tell those agents who are trying to do this that their actions are very serious,” the Prime Minister said.
He stressed that the government stands for an open, transparent and fair market, while the parliament will have to continue discussing this draft.
“It is unacceptable what happens when large investments are blocked through acts that try to distort the free market,” he added.
The parties did not specify what kind of proposals they were talking about, but according to statements, representatives of the business environment have “no substantive objections” to the draft law. The document will be considered by parliament.
