€20 Billion Revenue from Neptun Deep and Petromidia's Full Restart: Reconfiguring Romania’s Energy Balance in April 2026 — NRG-IA

Massive Fiscal Impact: €20 Billion from Deep-Sea Gas The Neptun Deep project is estimated to generate revenues exceeding €20 billion for Romania's state budget over its entire operational lifespan, without the need for new taxes. Former Energy Minister Virgil Popescu stated that starting in 2027, when production begins, annual budget receipts are projected between €1.5 and €2 billion. This capital injection is complemented by technical progress onshore. Romgaz reported a depth record at the 76 Rosetti well within the Caragele project, reaching 5,256 meters drilled. This well, scheduled to start production in the second quarter of 2026, will be essential for energy security, as the entire field is expected to cover approximately 4% of national production for the 2026-2027 winter. Fuel Market: Petromidia at Full Capacity and Pump Price Drops Romania's refining sector received a boost with the resumption of full-capacity operations at the Petromidia refinery. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan confirmed that the unit, which accounts for 27% of domestic fuel consumption, is now operating at optimal parameters. This supply stabilization coincides with the entry into force of the diesel excise tax reduction, a measure that generated an immediate price drop of 36 bani per liter at most filling stations. "The measures adopted have temporarily halted the increases, but it is an illusion to believe we will bring prices back to previous levels. We do not have the resources to compensate for everything," warned Ionuț Dumitru, honorary advisor to the Prime Minister. Regional Context and New Regulations from April 1st While Romania consolidates its domestic production, the European context remains tense. Electricity prices in Europe saw increases in March, fueled by natural gas price volatility. Furthermore, regional infrastructure security was called into question following the discovery of backpacks containing explosives near the Balkan Stream pipeline in Serbia, which supplies Serbia and Hungary with Russian gas. Domestically, the transition to a post-capping market is managed through GEO no. 12/2026. The Future Energy Leaders (FEL) Romania organization emphasizes that this new legislative framework, applicable from April 1st, aims to stabilize the natural gas market following the termination of the previous capping scheme established by GEO 27/2022. This article was generated with the assistance of Aurora AI and editorially verified.