Teresa Ribera (C) Source: EC - Audiovisual Service
EU antitrust chief Theresa Ribera said today that the recent surge in energy prices requires immediate action, Pro Investing reports.
Businesses hit by rising fuel prices due to the war with Iran may receive increased subsidies for extra fuel and fertilizer costs, with some sectors eligible for assistance of up to 50,000 euros under new temporary rules in place until the end of the year, EU antitrust officials said Wednesday.
The temporary state aid program amid the crisis in the Middle East is aimed at supporting sectors such as agriculture, fishing, transport and energy-intensive businesses.
The European Commission said companies in agriculture, fisheries and transport could receive compensation of up to 70% of the extra costs associated with higher fuel and fertilizer prices caused by the war with Iran. These companies could receive up to 50,000 euros ($58,510).
Businesses that consume large amounts of energy and are already eligible for assistance under another government program can receive compensation of up to 70% of their energy bills.
The new temporary state aid base will be in effect until the end of 2026. These measures were taken after global oil prices surpassed the $100 per barrel mark due to geopolitical tensions. The European Commission emphasizes that the subsidies should be temporary and targeted so as not to disrupt competition in the EU single market.
In addition to direct subsidies, many EU countries (including Germany, Italy and France) have already introduced national support measures such as fuel tax cuts and temporary price caps.
Key support measures in Moldova
In response to rising fuel prices and the energy crisis, the Moldovan authorities have focused on targeted support for the agricultural sector and fiscal austerity measures, while avoiding direct subsidies.
- Full compensation of excise taxes for farmers:
- Agrarians receive a 100% excise tax refund (about 3,979 lei per ton) on diesel fuel purchased between March 1 and May 31, 2026.
- The aid limit is up to 200 thousand lei per farm.
- For this purpose, the government allocated 110 million lei from the Reserve Fund.
- Changing the pricing mechanism:
- The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) has switched to calculating maximum prices based on a 7-day average of international quotations (instead of a 14-day average). This will allow domestic prices to decline faster following the world market.
- Strategic stocks:
- The authorities are implementing a law to create fuel reserves capable of covering up to 90 days of national consumption in order to avoid sharp shortages.
- Fiscal discipline:
- Public agencies are ordered to reduce spending on official transportation and non-essential purchases by at least 10%.
- Tenders for new infrastructure projects (road and bridge construction) have been suspended until diesel prices stabilize.
What is NOT being done
The government has officially ruled out the possibility of a general reduction in VAT on fuel or the introduction of direct compensation for private car owners, deeming such a policy financially unjustifiable.
From 2026, Moldova has also discontinued the calculation of automatic compensations for electricity in bills.
