Business #26 Legislative focus

Former Energy Minister and PSD MP Bogdan Ivan has introduced a bill to the Senate that would declare a six-month state of crisis on Romania’s oil and fuel market. The proposal includes a temporary reduction of the diesel excise duty, limits on fuel mark-ups, prior approval for certain fuel exports, additional reporting obligations for fuel operators and a solidarity contribution for oil producers. The measures are intended to address rising international oil prices and reduce the risk of diesel shortages on the Romanian market. The bill could be adopted during this month’s parliamentary extraordinary session.

Fuel producers, importers, refiners, distributors and retailers would need to adjust their pricing policies, reporting processes and export operations to comply with the new rules. Transport and logistics companies could benefit from the temporary reduction in diesel excise duty, while oil producers may face additional costs through the proposed solidarity contribution.

Last week, the Government adopted new implementing rules for Romania’s employment incentive scheme, following recent changes introduced by GEO No. 11/2026. The new rules make the updated support measures operational, including a new stability bonus for young employees, expanded wage subsidies for employers hiring additional vulnerable groups, and clearer procedures and deadlines for accessing government incentives. The decision is yet to be published in the Official Gazette.

Employers hiring eligible jobseekers will have access to new hiring incentives, but will also need to comply with stricter application procedures and deadlines. Companies must submit the required documentation on time, monitor ongoing eligibility conditions and apply for subsidy agreements within the prescribed time limits in order to receive financial support.

The acting Labour Minister has published the methodology for creating and updating Romania’s Shortage Occupations List, a key mechanism introduced earlier this year to support the recruitment of foreign workers. The methodology sets the criteria used to identify occupations facing labour shortages, based on vacancy data, employment figures and work permit statistics. Employers will also be able to propose new occupations for inclusion by providing evidence that they have been unable to recruit enough workers in Romania.

Employers recruiting or planning to recruit foreign workers should monitor the Shortage Occupations List, as it will determine which roles are eligible under the new system. Companies may also submit proposals to add occupations to the list, but will need to document their recruitment efforts and demonstrate persistent labour shortages.