Romania moves to take control of Lukoil assets amid U.S. sanctions

Romania plans to take control of Lukoil’s local assets as U.S. sanctions threaten the Russian energy firm’s operations, Energy Minister Bogdan Ion said, according to Europa Libera.

The minister said the government must assume control of Petrotel Lukoil, the company’s Romanian subsidiary, to “guarantee full compliance with international measures, protect 5,000 jobs, and ensure the stability and security of the national energy system.”

Ion said he supports the firm enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Lukoil and opposes any postponement of the measures, which take effect on November 21.

He added that Romania would push for the coordinated adoption of the U.S.-initiated sanctions across the European Union.