Romania receives a waiver from the US for the restart of the Petrotel Lukoil refinery: “Not a single gram of Russian oil will reach Romania”
The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, announced on Tuesday evening, during an official visit to the United States, that Romania obtained a waiver from the American authorities for the restart of the Petrotel Lukoil refinery.
Bogdan Ivan PHOTO: Facebook/Minister of Energy
“It's extremely important news: we received official confirmation from the American Government for the derogation from the sanctions against Lukoil, so that Romania can restart the Petrotel refinery”, said the minister.
According to him, the refinery would be back in operation in about 45 days, producing diesel, gasoline and kerosene for domestic consumption.
“It is an extremely important step. 21% of Romania's production will be provided by this refinery, which is a key element for stabilizing the fuel market”, explained Bogdan Ivan for Antena 3 CNN.
The minister emphasized that Romania thus becomes the second country in the world, after Germany, to obtain such a derogation.
“There are currently only two countries worldwide – Germany and now Romania – that have achieved this feat.”
The resumption of activity would reduce dependence on imports, Romania having the ability to fully cover its gasoline needs, over 60% of its diesel needs and the entire aviation fuel consumption.
The official assured that the restart of the refinery does not involve the use of oil from Russia.
“I want to be very clear, not a single gram of Russian oil will reach Romania and not a single leu will reach Russia. We make sure that all transactions will be clear and not related to Russia”, he specified.
The minister added that the restart of Petrotel Lukoil comes after the resumption of activity at the Petromidia Năvodari refinery and could also contribute to maintaining more stable and competitive fuel prices in the region. “The fact that we restarted the Petromidia Năvodari refinery but also this new victory with the restart of Petrotel Lukoil is the best thing that could happen to Romania”, added Bogdan Ivan.
