Romania Faces Energy Crisis: Soaring Prices Force Summer Rationing

Rising Energy Prices in Romania: A Summer of Rationing as Price Caps Expire Romanians are bracing for a significant increase in energy costs following the expiration of government price caps on July 1st, 2025. The removal of these caps, impacting over four million people, is causing widespread concern, as seen in a recent report by Stirile Kanal D. The report featured interviews with citizens expressing their anxieties about the soaring energy bills. "Vara asta, aerul condiționat o să stea mai mult pe post de bibelou decât pornit," said Antonela Mihaela, a Romanian citizen, highlighting the difficult choice many face between staying cool and managing their finances. Another interviewee noted their intention to limit air conditioning use to only a few hours a day. The video also showed examples of increased energy bills, indicating a potential rise of over 60%. An energy expert, Silvia Vlasceanu, explained that while the price for low consumption remained at 0.68 lei/kWh, the increase is significantly higher for those exceeding the cap. She noted that for some, the increase could be double their previous bill. The report concludes with recommendations from specialists to conserve energy by using air conditioning only in necessary rooms and setting the temperature to a minimum of 24-25 degrees Celsius. The overall tone is one of concern and adaptation, illustrating the challenges faced by Romanians in the face of rising energy costs.