Moldova Rules Out Lukoil Nationalization as Chisinau Airport Runs Fuel Terminal Under Free Lease

Officials cite legal limits and say they are lining up alternative jet fuel suppliers after U.S. and EU sanctions squeezed the company.

Overview

Energy Minister Dorin Zhungietu said the government will not pursue nationalization, noting Moldova’s laws and years-long court risks tied to seizing private assets.
Chisinau International Airport is operating the Lukoil-owned aviation fuel infrastructure under a zero-lei lease signed on November 12, with an asset handover on November 13.
The government said it did not request a delay to sanctions implementation and is negotiating new kerosene supplies from Romania and Bulgaria, including with Rompetrol.
Authorities rejected Lukoil’s proposal to transfer the airport assets to another private buyer, citing national security considerations.
U.S. Treasury and EU actions against Lukoil and its trading arm Litasco set a November 21 wind-down for certain dealings, after Lukoil had been the airport’s sole jet fuel supplier.