At a parliamentary session on Friday, April 24, Energy Minister Dorin Jungietu explained what will happen to these gas stations once the state of emergency is lifted and the state of emergency is placed on high alert.
“On April 14, the US State Treasury issued a new license through the Office of Foreign Assets Control regarding the operation of a network of gas stations that are assets of Lukoil International GmbH. This license must be interpreted by our authorities, the National Bank and the Anti-Money Laundering Service to allow the gas station networks to operate until October 29, 2026. This is the latest information on existing sanctions. The competent authorities should speak out and possibly allow further operation of gas stations,” said Jungietu.
At the same time, it is emphasized that the document requires strict compliance with the sanctions regime: international financial transfers are still restricted.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu confirmed that the decision to resume the operation of Lukoil gas stations in the state of emergency was also made after coordination with the USA and did not contradict the sanctions requirements.
There are more than 500 gas stations in Moldova, of which about 120 are operated by Lukoil. In a number of settlements, this network remains the only fuel supplier, which created risks of disruptions and forced consumers to travel to other areas.
The state of emergency allowed unblocking local financial operations, ensuring imports and settlements with other fuel suppliers, and stabilizing supplies to the network.
