Thread by @ASabadus

A thread on the #Romanian electricity/gas markets, which are becoming an increasing concern for the region : /1

The Romanian gov adopted a 98% tax on electricity/gas trading and a 100% on electricity exports which are due on 25 October. If not scrapped, they would wipe out wholesale trading and endanger security of supply, as suggested by GEN-I in this interview /2

As a result of the tax new regime announced in September, trading on the BRM and OPCOM exchanges has stopped.
EFET has warned of the tax's catastrophic consequences, not just for Romania but for the region as there may not be any regional trading, right now ahead of winter /3

Romanian gas TSO, @Transgaz2 , on the other hand, is under pressure to align its methane content with that of other neighbouring countries along the TBP. Greece , Bulgaria are at 70-75%, Romania is at 85%./4

European stakeholders are also concerned Transgaz fails to participate in meetings required to align regional gas markets. Even when they participate, their contributions are minimal. I invited Transgaz to comment but was told my questions had received a ‘registration number’/5

Transgaz along with four regional gas TSOs have proposed an alternative transit route for supplies. Apart from the fact that such a proposal may be costly as it may require additional investments, it isolates #Moldova and 'Ukraine. What game is Transgaz playing regionally?/6

Yesterday, (19.10.2022) the government extended the mandate of five senior members of the regulator, @ANRE, including that of the president and VP. Under legal arrangements, the mandates had come to an end and should not have been extended./7

The government says the extension was necessary to ensure Romania can cope with the energy crisis but the measure raises questions about the legality of the senior members and the independence of the regulator, ANRE. /8

Also, on 19 October, the government resurrected an old project for an LNG terminal importing Azeri gas into Romania. Why is Romania looking to import Azeri gas rather than develop its own onshore and offshore reserves? /END