OUG 19/2026: What did it cap and what happened?

Emergency Ordinance 19/2026 was a governmental measure through which the commercial markup practiced by fuel market operators was capped. Practically, an upper limit was imposed on the profit margin that petrol stations could apply to the purchase price of fuels. This capping referred to the average commercial markup recorded in 2025.

The intervention was intended to stabilize pump prices and protect consumers from potential speculative price increases. We observed how, during that period, price variations between different stations, even within the same brand, were much smaller than the current spread, which for gasoline 95 is 0.76 lei/L, according to our data. This led to a standardization of prices, at least at the level of each brand.

The commercial mark-up capping measure, instituted by OUG 19/2026, had a determined duration, being active for a period of three months. More precisely, it came into effect on April 1, 2026, and was valid until June 30, 2026, inclusive. This limited period was initially conceived to offer the market a respite and to mitigate inflationary pressures.

During the 91 days, prices were indeed less volatile, and differences between stations significantly diminished. After expiration, we observed a return to the usual dynamics of the free market, where the average price of 95 gasoline is now 8.65 lei/L, and diesel is 9.57 lei/L, according to our current monitoring of the 1390 stations in Romania.

The decision to introduce the capping of the commercial markup through OUG 19/2026 came as a response to a period of economic uncertainty and public perception regarding a possible unjustified increase in fuel prices. The government aimed to curb inflation and provide predictability for transport costs, both for individual consumers and for the economic sector.

In the context of significant fluctuations in international crude oil prices and their impact on pump costs, the measure was presented as a form of social and economic protection. Even though today prices reflect a free market, with an average of 8.65 lei/L for gasoline 95 and 9.57 lei/L for diesel, the decision from 2026 was a temporary stabilization effort.

One of the most visible effects of OUG 19/2026 was a quasi-uniformization of pump prices, especially within the same gas station brand. The limitation of commercial mark-up reduced operators' room for maneuver, leading to similar, almost identical prices for the same type of fuel across a network's stations. This situation contrasted sharply with the dynamics of a free market.

For example, currently, the difference between the minimum and maximum price for benzina 95 recorded at the stations we monitor is 0.76 lei/L. During the price cap, such a difference was much smaller, indicating downward pressure on maximum prices and a general alignment with the cap. In practice, we observed a compression of margins and a less competitive market at the final price level.

The expiration of OUG 19/2026 on 1 July 2026 marked a return to the free market and an immediate price adjustment, particularly for diesel. In the first days after the cap was lifted, we recorded a significant increase in the diesel price of approximately 35 bani per litre. This increase reflected both the reintroduction of the uncapped commercial markup and operators' adjustments to market conditions.

The impact was felt by drivers, turning a 50-litre diesel fill-up — which today costs an average of 478 lei — into a larger expense than during the capping period. For more details about that period and how we monitored the fluctuations, you can read our dedicated article: Scumpire Carburanți 1 Iulie.

No, Emergency Ordinance 19/2026 was not extended. The measure was exceptional and temporary in nature, applied strictly during the period 1 April – 30 June 2026. The decision not to extend the commercial markup cap was made in the context of the Government concluding that the fuel market could once again function freely, without direct interventions.

Thus, starting 1 July 2026, the market returned to a free-competition model, where prices are determined by a combination of factors, including international quotations, operating costs, taxes, and, of course, the commercial markup of each distributor. Today, a 50-litre fill of 95 petrol costs on average 432 lei, reflecting the dynamics of the uncapped market.

After the expiration of OUG 19/2026, fuel prices have returned to a free market dynamic, with significant variations between fuel types and across filling stations. According to data monitored by PretCarburant.ro at the 1390 stations nationwide, gasoline 95 has an average price of 8.65 lei/L, while diesel is, on average, more expensive, reaching 9.57 lei/L.

Auto LPG continues to be the most economical option, with an average price of 4.55 lei/L. This considerable difference, 4.10 lei/L less than gasoline, makes LPG an attractive alternative for many drivers looking to reduce their transportation costs.

In the current fuel price context, Romanian drivers have a few alternatives to reduce their costs. The most obvious and popular option remains auto LPG. According to our monitoring, the average price of LPG is 4.55 lei/L, a significant difference of 4.10 lei/L compared to 95 petrol, which has an average price of 8.65 lei/L. This substantial saving can offset the investment in an LPG installation over the medium term.

Constant price monitoring is also essential. Even for 95 petrol, there is a spread of 0.76 lei/L between the minimum and maximum price, meaning that choosing the right station can bring notable savings. For a 50-litre fill-up of petrol, this difference translates to nearly 38 lei. We recommend using price comparison platforms to identify the most advantageous offers.