Appearing on FOCUS Prima TV, Eugenia Gusilov discussed the announcement of the start of exploitation at the Neptun Deep gas field in the Black Sea. Options for the local and regional use of the gas are plentiful, but the absolute priority remains meeting local and regional demand. Only after exhausting uses close to the production site can exports to more distant destinations, such as Austria, be considered.

As long as the state exercises its pre-emption right to purchase the gas, the producing company's commercial imperative is satisfied, making export unnecessary. The producer's disposition of equity gas does not contradict this right unless the intention from the start is to export to Austria. Austria, previously reliant on Russian gas, is actively seeking alternative sources and aiming to phase out household gas by 2040, meaning any Romanian gas export would target Austria's industrial sector.

However, reducing Austria's dependence on Russian gas must not come at Romania's expense when strong domestic and regional demand exists. Exporting to distant markets is feasible only when no local use remains and must not sacrifice local industry, Romanian petrochemistry, or Moldova's energy independence.