The Republic of Moldova will create emergency stocks of petroleum products sufficient to cover domestic consumption for 61 days, or the equivalent of at least 90 days of net imports, depending on which indicator is higher. The provision is included in the Law on the Security of Petroleum Product Supply, adopted in second reading by Parliament, TRIBUNA reports.

The law regulates the mechanism for creating, maintaining, managing, and using emergency petroleum stocks. This will ensure that consumers in the Republic of Moldova can be supplied with petroleum products even during crises or major market disruptions.

Under the new framework, emergency stocks will be formed both by the Central Storage Entity (CSE) and by petroleum importers, with obligations shared equally between the two. Stock accumulation will take place gradually until 30 June 2034, to avoid financial pressure on the state budget and on economic operators.

Individual storage obligations for the CSE and each importer will be calculated and set by the Ministry of Energy, based on monthly data submitted by economic operators. The volume of mandatory stocks is proportional to the quantity of petroleum products imported in the previous calendar year. At least 75% of total emergency stocks must consist of gasoline and diesel.

Approximately 60% of the total volume must be stored on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, while part of the stocks may be held abroad under bilateral agreements with host countries. The law also allows for the creation of non‑material stocks, through contracts granting the right—but not the obligation—to purchase petroleum products under predefined conditions. Material stocks will be stored in authorized facilities, including customs warehouses and free zones.

The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) will oversee compliance with storage obligations, and the law introduces sanctions for violations. The activity of the CSE will be monitored by the Ministry of Energy.

The draft law was developed by the Ministry of Energy and aims to align national legislation with EU standards on petroleum supply security.

The new legislative provisions enter into force upon publication in the Official Gazette. Within eight months, the Government must create or designate the Central Storage Entity. Additionally, within one month of entry into force, ANRE will include the contribution for emergency stocks in the specific commercial margin applied to retail sales of standard petroleum products.