Moldova Declares State of Alert Amid Fuel Shortages

Moldova has declared a 30-day state of alert in the energy and hydrological sectors to prevent fuel shortages and protect water supplies.

The government cited disruptions in regional fuel markets, driven by higher global oil and diesel prices, the conflict in the Middle East, a temporary halt in Kazakh crude exports through Russia's Novorossiysk terminal, and low water levels on the Danube as reasons for the alert.

The country's commercial diesel reserves have dropped from 17.6 days' supply at the end of June to 6.9 days' supply, with 53 filling stations across the country having run out of diesel by Sunday.

Under the emergency measures, authorities will streamline fuel imports, prioritize customs clearance, establish border 'green corridors,' and curb speculative buying.