Romania's Diesel Aid for Moldova Faces Delays
The initial 1,300-ton shipment of diesel fuel donated by Romania has been distributed to Moldovan farmers.
The remainder of the humanitarian aid package is expected to arrive shortly, according to Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, who spoke on the Radio Moldova program 'La 360 de grade'.
"The first shipment, approximately 1,200 tons of diesel fuel, has been offloaded. We expect the second shipment of around 1,300 tons, which was in Costești last week, to arrive soon. In total, it's approximately 3,000 tons, and I believe there will be three shipments in all. The distribution process is underway, with the Material Reserves Agency receiving full support from the Ministry of Agriculture and agricultural directorates. We are in close communication with farmers, compiling lists – everything is in full operation," said the minister.
Romania's Donation Announced Last April
Authorities announced Romania's diesel donation as humanitarian aid to Moldova in April of last year. Romania has offered a total of 4,000 tons of diesel fuel to support farmers impacted by the 2022 drought. The fuel only recently reached Moldova due to a lack of suitable storage space.
"A lengthy bidding process took place within the Republic of Moldova. Legislation mandates tenders for service purchases. The Material Reserves Agency held three tenders with no submitted bids. Direct negotiations followed, resulting in a contract with an economic agent in Căușeni. Delays occurred as the year ended, with Romanian funding for diesel transportation only budgeted for 2023. This necessitated a decision by the Romanian Government. Overall, there have been delays. Bureaucracy, I believe, is the factor that hindered the process, but ensuring correctness and full legality is essential," explained Vladimir Bolea.
Support Prioritises Small-Scale Farmers
The Minister of Agriculture indicated that Romania's assistance gives priority to micro and small-scale farmers. Eligible farmers will receive an average of 40 litres of diesel fuel per hectare.
Romania's History of Support
In 2022, Romania donated approximately 155 tons of diesel fuel, over 150 tons of gasoline, and five thousand tons of fuel oil to Moldova. Bucharest had previously offered a donation of six thousand tons of diesel fuel in 2021 to assist farmers affected by drought.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
