Romania does not import coal, crude oil, petroleum products or gas from Russia, the Romanian Ministry of Energy said, after the "Reuters" agency reported published an analysis according to which several EU countries, including France, the Netherlands, Romania and Portugal, report growth in energy imports from Russia in 2025, with Romania's increase by 57 percent, reports "Digi 24" TV, BTA reports.
As for coal imports, the Ministry recalls in response to an inquiry from the News.ro website that imports from the Russian Federation have been suspended since August 2022 with the entry into force of the EU's fifth package of economic sanctions.
As for oil and petroleum products, the Ministry notes that, in accordance with the measures set by the EU, economic operators in Romania have not imported crude oil from Russia since December 5, 2022, and imports of petroleum products from the Russian Federation have also been suspended since February 5, 2023.
The Ministry of Energy also specifies that Romania does not import and natural gas from Russia.
“To meet the needs of domestic consumption, Romania imports natural gas from Western Europe via the Szeged-Arad interconnector and from Southern Europe via the interconnector points with Bulgaria: Kardam-Negru Voda (Trans-Balkan Corridor) and Giurgiu-Ruse“, the institution mentions.
“Romania complies with all sanctions adopted at EU level. Any violation of the current legislation on the sanctions regime against the Russian Federation will be sanctioned without hesitation“, emphasized Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan in a response to the “Hotnews” website. "Romania does not compromise when it comes to its obligations as an EU member state and ensuring its energy security," he added.
The minister nevertheless acknowledged that there was a possibility of indirect imports of Russian oil from non-EU countries that mix their own products with those coming from Russia. He also stressed that Romania had never had direct contact with "Gazprom" and that the country had no intention of importing petroleum products or crude oil from the Russian Federation.
A Reuters analysis of data provided by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that a number of EU countries are reporting an increase in energy imports from Russia in 2025, including France, the Netherlands, Romania and Portugal. In the case of Romania, it is a growth of 57 percent, according to the data cited by the agency.
In this way, Europe continues to finance both sides in the war in Ukraine, with military aid provided to Kiev being offset by payments for energy supplied by Moscow, notes "Reuters".