Romania Turns to Caspian and Black Sea for Energy Security

Romania is facing energy security challenges due to its vulnerable supply chains and infrastructure. Despite efforts to diversify energy imports, Europe's dependence on Russian pipeline gas has created a new set of geopolitical risks.

The country's refineries cover only about a quarter of their feedstock needs from domestic production, with the remainder imported primarily from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and other suppliers. Roughly half of imported crude originates in Kazakhstan and passes through Russia's Black Sea port before reaching Romania.

Azerbaijan has emerged as an important energy partner for Europe, particularly through the Southern Gas Corridor. Its transportation of Caspian energy resources has made it a crucial alternative to Russian pipeline gas. Strengthening ports, railways, and pipelines could create a broader network for commodities and energy resources to move.

Romania's Port of Constanța is poised to become an important component of this emerging network, with the potential to receive larger quantities of crude and other energy products through alternative routes. Azerbaijan-Romania energy cooperation has considerable room for expansion, with existing trade figures showing that Romania accounted for 4.6% of Azerbaijan's total oil exports in the first half of 2026.