The special procedure which allows economic operators, based in an EU member state, which have a valid license issued by the competent authority from the EU member state, to register on the Romanian natural gas markets as a trader (without having to register a local company or branch), together with the liberalization of the natural gas market, sets out Romania as one of the most promising markets in the EU.

With the Romanian participation in the BRUA or ROHUAT pipeline and the market liberalization starting with 2020, the Romanian natural gas market is becoming more and more enticing for traders in this sector.

These amendments are part of the Romanian officials’ strategy for the liberalization of the gas market in the context set by the completion of the offshore gas projects in the Black Sea.

The demand for natural gas has increased exponentially on the Romanian regulated exchange markets (Bursa Română de Mărfuri, mainly).

With a statistical increase of over 300% per MWh 2021 compared with 2020, on both SPOT and FORWARD markets, according to the statistics published by The Romanian Association of Energy Suppliers, it is safe to say that this sector is rapidly becoming more and more enticing for EIC registered network users which are not already active on the Romanian market.

The legislation regarding EU member state gas traders to operate on the Romanian gas markets without having to register local companies or branches is a well received factor in easing the setup of the participation of an EIC network user in Romania.

In the current context of the completion of the liberalization of the Romanian gas market, together with the anti-pandemic measures, the trading platforms (BRM and OPCOM) have proved more mature and ready to offer a variety of services, including optimization of remote connectivity with their clients (network users).

Romania could very well be on its way to becoming a regional player in the gas market, provided the investors keep receiving support from the policymakers.

Romania has finally opened its gas market which creates the bedrock for lucrative business opportunities for all EU traders.

In this respect, SORA & ASSOCIATES law firm is ready to assist, advise, help or represent any EU gas trader company in order to register as such on the Romanian natural gas market.

Please be informed that SORA & ASSOCIATES law firm has already successfully represented important players implicated in the gas market trade in obtaining the trading confirmation decision or natural gas trading license, and our aim is to help all entities that have such needs.

Radu Sora, Managing Partner SORA & ASOCIAȚII
Andrei Bodescu, Partner SORA & ASOCIAȚII