“I am sticking to this opinion in spite of all analysts forecasting a drop or a stalling of the present price per barrel. There is a structural reason for the rise in the price of the barrel. Exploited reserves are not increasing equally in certain areas, such as Asia, and especially China.”
Patriciu added that the price in Romania is linked to the global market and domestic characteristics, from which it cannot depart. “Romania’s present consumption is 14 million tons while production amounts to 4.5 million. The state must find other sources of income to afford to lower the price. Excise taxes must be equal for gasoline and diesel fuel. This would lead to a drop in price,” said Patriciu.
He further indicated that without such measures the price will rise to RON 5 per liter of gasoline this year. “Half of the price of gasoline at the pump is the value of the product, while the other half is fees and taxes,” said Patriciu.
