Romanian Gas Prices and Regulatory Shifts: What Consumers Need to Know
Romanian consumers are facing a period of uncertainty regarding natural gas prices, as the country transitions away from a price-capped system. PPC Energie, the third-largest gas supplier in Romania with a 15.81% market share as of autumn 2025, has notified customers in Bucharest of a new tariff of 0.39 lei/kWh, valid until June 17, 2026.
The Finish of Price Caps and New Regulations
The current system of price caps for residential gas consumers is set to end on March 31, 2026. However, a proposed emergency ordinance aims to introduce a new price regulation framework. This draft suggests the final price billed to households will be the lower of either the contractual price or a cost calculated using a methodology established by the authorities.
The proposed ordinance includes a regulated wholesale gas price of 110 lei/MWh, a decrease from the current 120 lei/MWh, and maintains the supply component at 15 lei/MWh. It similarly limits costs for imbalances to a maximum of 10% of the value of gas delivered to households. The intention is to ensure consumers pay less than the current price cap of 0.31 lei/kWh.
Current Price Landscape and Supplier Variations
As of February 2026, prices for residential consumers in Bucharest vary between 0.304 lei/kWh and 0.41 lei/kWh, according to the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). E.on currently offers a capped price of 0.31 lei/kWh until March 31, 2026, with estimates suggesting a potential increase to 0.35 lei/kWh afterward. Engie is offering 0.31 lei/kWh (including VAT) from April to October.
Price differences are influenced by distribution tariffs approved by ANRE for operators in different localities.
Concerns Over Communication and Potential Confusion
ANRE President George Niculescu acknowledged that the requirement for suppliers to notify customers about the end of the price cap scheme could cause confusion. He indicated a potential reversal of the notification order. Dumitru Chisăliță, president of the Intelligent Energy Association, criticized the notifications as generating unnecessary administrative costs, estimated at 6 million euros, ultimately borne by consumers.
Chisăliță highlighted that these official notifications create uncertainty, public pressure on suppliers, and the perception of rising bills.
Government Justification and Addressing Energy Poverty
The proposed regulatory changes are driven by concerns about potential energy poverty and the need for a gradual transition to a fully liberalized gas market. The government argues these measures are necessary to maintain economic competitiveness and prevent destabilization of the energy market.
FAQ
What is the new tariff offered by PPC Energie?
PPC Energie is offering a tariff of 0.39 lei/kWh, valid until June 17, 2026.
What is the proposed regulated wholesale gas price?
The proposed regulated wholesale gas price is 110 lei/MWh.
Will consumers definitely pay less after the price cap ends?
The proposed regulations aim to ensure consumers pay less than the current price cap of 0.31 lei/kWh, but the final price will depend on the calculation methodology and contractual agreements.
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