While Brussels is discussing consumption reduction, Romania has already been on an energy diet since August. On the electricity side, Romania has had mechanisms in place since August, which remain in effect. Consumers who want to optimize their consumption and their bills know what they have to do. Regarding this aspect, Eugenia Gusilov noted that the country has done almost everything possible, including in terms of public communication.

For natural gas, the major difference lies between domestic and industrial consumption. The population has no reason to worry for this winter, as the price remains capped until March 31, 2027. However, there will be pressure on companies and commercial consumers. In terms of volumes and availability, the ROEC Director emphasized that Romania does not risk a physical gas deficit. Underground storage facilities are at an 80% filling capacity, with approximately 2.5 billion cubic meters already stored, after the underground injection rate was accelerated in the second half of September.

Regarding fuels, Eugenia Gusilov explained that there is a risk the United States might block diesel exports to Europe, although this risk is currently minor. The European market imports 30% of its diesel consumption, with the remaining 70% provided by European refineries, and half of these imports come from the US. If this measure materializes, it will severely impact the European market. Following the initial statement by the American president, there have been several tempering messages indicating that the opportunity of implementing this measure is still being analyzed.

Concerning energy bills, the figures advanced by official sources in August, which suggested modest increases of 5% to 10%, were too optimistic. The increases will exceed 20% in the upcoming period. However, the impact will not be felt equally or simultaneously by everyone, but rather upon the renewal of each individual contract, depending on the offers sent by suppliers. These remarks were made during Eugenia Gusilov's intervention on Sunday, September 27, at Digi24.