Moldovan authorities have decided to return the fuel storage facility at Chisinau International Airport to state ownership, citing national security risks. The facility had been under the control of Russia’s Lukoil since 2005, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said on December 15.
The nationalization decision was taken by Moldova’s Council for the Review of Investments in Sectors Critical to State Security. The body rejected approval for further investment activity by Lukoil-Moldova and ordered the company to transfer all assets of the airport fuel complex to the state.
“Within 20 days, the Republic of Moldova will become the owner of the airport’s fuel infrastructure,” Munteanu said.
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The government said regaining control of the terminal is necessary to ensure uninterrupted aviation fuel supplies and to protect critical infrastructure. Authorities will also review the circumstances under which the fuel terminal was transferred to Lukoil in 2005.
Moldovan energy expert Sergiu Tofilat previously told NewsMaker that the aviation fuel sector is particularly vulnerable to sanctions on Lukoil, as all aircraft refueling infrastructure—from storage facilities to logistics—is concentrated within Lukoil-Moldova.
In November 2025, following the announcement of US sanctions, Lukoil transferred the terminal into temporary, cost-free state management.
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Lukoil also operates around 100 gas stations across Moldova. However, the country’s retail fuel market is diversified, and the closure of those stations—unlike the airport’s sole fuel terminal—would not pose a significant risk to Moldova’s energy security.
Earlier on December 4, the US Department of the Treasury extended a special license temporarily exempting Russia’s Lukoil’s foreign gas station network from sanctions.
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the general license allowing Lukoil’s retail fuel stations outside Russia to continue operating without US sanctions has been extended through the end of April 2026.
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