The State Intends to Take Over Lukoil’s Infrastructure at the Airport

The Council for Reviewing Important Investments for State’s Security has decided to reject Lukoil’s proposal to sell its assets and transfer the airport infrastructure to another company. The reason for the refusal was that this company cannot be accepted by the Republic of Moldova from the point of view of national security, according to the Ministry of Energy. The Council submitted its own proposal to purchase Lukoil’s warehouse complex at the airport so that the state could take control of the company’s infrastructure and resources. The deadline for deciding on this deal is 17 November, as Lukoil will be unable to operate from 21 November onwards. Thus, Moldova joined the US sanctions against the company. At the same time, the authorities requested a temporary exemption from the United States, allowing Lukoil to continue operating until the situation is resolved, in order to prevent disruptions in the supply of petroleum products and avoid a negative impact on the daily lives of citizens. Meanwhile, Moldova is negotiating with Bulgaria and Romania, including Rompetrol, to secure the necessary supplies of petrol, diesel fuel and kerosene for aircraft operating from Chisinau Airport.