Irina Vlah, leader of the Republican Party Inima Moldovei, has called on Moldova’s top leadership to take measures to mitigate the effects of rising oil prices, as many European countries have already done.

“As you well know, the Republic of Moldova, like many other countries, is facing a steep increase in fuel prices. And this is happening for objective reasons. However, while other countries are taking concrete steps to reduce the impact on citizens, the Republic of Moldova is doing nothing,” Vlah stated.

She noted that most European states have already introduced measures to limit the effects of rising oil prices — from capping fuel prices and reducing pump prices to lowering taxes and excise duties. “For example, Croatia has capped fuel prices. Hungary has done the same and also announced excise reductions. Slovenia has reduced excise duties, while Spain has suspended excise taxes and cut VAT. North Macedonia, Slovakia, Portugal and others have also taken important steps,” she said.

Vlah questioned why Moldovan authorities have not taken similar action.

“There is an opinion that the authorities see rising fuel prices not as a problem, but as an opportunity, since it increases state budget revenues. Revenues do indeed grow, but it is not right for the government to collect extra money at the expense of a major problem affecting people. And we must also think about the consequences,” she warned.

According to Vlah, if the government does not intervene to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices, a chain reaction will follow, affecting the population, businesses and the state as a whole. Transport operators have already increased service tariffs, and she expects prices for all goods linked to fuel costs to rise — including bread, meat, dairy products, construction materials and more. “Additional costs borne by businesses will inevitably be reflected in final prices,” she added.

“In the end, we will witness an explosion of inflation, which will further increase poverty, fuel a new wave of mass emigration, and directly affect the national economy. Even those who are now pleased that the fuel crisis brings extra money to the budget will find themselves in a difficult situation. Next year, pensions will have to be indexed to inflation. The government will face a situation similar to that of 2022–2023, when instead of indexing pensions by more than 30%, it chose to ignore the law and openly disregard pensioners. Will it do the same again?” Vlah asked.

Addressing the country’s leadership, she concluded: “Dear leaders of the Republic of Moldova, everything I have outlined above shows how serious the situation is and what the consequences may be. I urge you to act before it is too late. Do not rejoice over the millions now flowing into the budget — they will not cover the devastating consequences that will inevitably follow, and soon. Follow the example of other European countries that choose to stand by their citizens in difficult times. Do not limit yourselves to narrow, short‑term interests. Act now — tomorrow may be too late.”