The oil terminal at the Chisinau airport has returned to state ownership from Lukoil, restoring the pre-privatisation status that existed before 2005. At the same time, the Council for the Examination of Investments of Importance for State Security (CEIIISS) has banned Lukoil from operating in areas of strategic importance to national security, with the current beneficiaries and founders.
Lukoil was originally required to hand over its assets by 9 January, but after the company failed to comply, the Council imposed a 5 million lei fine on 16 January, which the company paid this week.
The petrol stations in Moldova are expected to be taken over by the US investment fund Carlyle Group, which is acquiring Lukoil’s international assets. The newly announced shareholder is required to apply for investment approval, while CEIISS must submit a corresponding decision.