Chisinau Airport Secures Fuel Supply Amid Sanctions
Chisinau International Airport, also known as 'Eugen Doga' International Airport, has officially taken over the management of Lukoil's fuel terminal. This critical development, formalized through a free-use loan agreement signed on November 12, 2025, and with the transfer of property completed on November 13, 2025, is a direct response to the imposition of US sanctions against the Russian oil giant. The primary objective is to ensure a stable and uninterrupted supply of aviation fuel, specifically kerosene, for Moldova's sole international airport.
Impact of US Sanctions on Lukoil
The decision to transfer control stems from US sanctions levied against Lukoil and Rosneft by the US Treasury Department on October 22, 2025. These sanctions, linked to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, mandated that foreign entities cease business relations with the sanctioned companies by November 21, 2025, to avoid secondary sanctions. Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu confirmed that Lukoil-Moldova would be unable to operate effectively after this deadline due to frozen accounts and assets, and the US Treasury's refusal to approve a proposed sale of Lukoil's foreign assets to the Swiss company Gunvor.
Strategic Move for National Security
Minister Junghietu emphasized the strategic importance of the airport's fuel terminal, stating that it is a 'critical state asset' and that uninterrupted kerosene supply for the aviation sector is paramount. Lukoil was previously the sole supplier of aviation fuel to the airport, making the facility particularly vulnerable to the sanctions. The Moldovan government, while aligning with US sanctions, had requested a temporary derogation to manage the transition and prevent supply disruptions.
Prior to this agreement, the Council for Examining Investments of Importance for State Security rejected Lukoil's proposal to sell its airport infrastructure to another company, citing national security concerns. The current arrangement is a temporary measure, with the long-term plan involving the state enterprise Chisinau International Airport (AIC) purchasing the assets and infrastructure outright from Lukoil.
Ensuring Future Fuel Stability
To further bolster fuel security, the Moldovan Ministry of Energy has initiated negotiations with a Romanian company for immediate fuel supplies. Broader discussions are also underway with suppliers from Bulgaria and Romania, including Rompetrol, to diversify the country's overall fuel sources. While Lukoil operates approximately 100 to 110 gas stations across Moldova, the retail fuel market is considered diversified, and national fuel stocks remain stable, mitigating wider market impact.
6 Comments
BuggaBoom
What about property rights? This looks like expropriation.
Loubianka
The government is in a tough spot, needing to comply with sanctions while maintaining critical infrastructure. Yet, this move risks alienating other foreign companies and could be seen as an overreach, despite the good intentions for fuel stability.
Noir Black
Pure US pressure, bad for Moldova's economy.
Eugene Alta
Lukoil built that terminal. This isn't right.
Raphael
Smart move by Chisinau! National security first.
ytkonos
It's understandable that Moldova needs to align with US sanctions to avoid secondary penalties and ensure fuel, but the speed and nature of the takeover could deter future foreign investment. A more transparent process would be better.