Article

On January 1, 2026, Romania enforced ANRE Order 83/2025, revising natural gas sector licensing regulations. The order eliminates authorizations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen production sites, streamlining the licensing process for these projects.

New requirements for supply and trading licenses now include proof of financial resources of at least EUR 200,000 and effective employment contracts for at least three qualified employees. Existing license holders must comply with these criteria by June 1, 2026.

Supply and trading licenses will have an initial duration of up to five years, with a maximum term of 25 years remaining unchanged. New procedural distinctions include a 60-day period for license application analysis and the removal of upfront payment requirements upon submission.

Foreign operators without home-state licensing systems must now obtain Romanian licenses and maintain a local contact. ANRE also introduced new grounds for license withdrawal, including non-payment and breaches of consumer protection laws.