The National Confederation for Women's Entrepreneurship (CONAF) warns that the sharp rise in fuel prices is no longer a simple market fluctuation but a sign of systemic pressure on the real economy, hitting costs, cash flows and supply chains. The transport and logistics sector - which contributes about 6.5% to GDP - is among the most exposed, the organization said in a release.
CONAF notes that the alert raised on March 12 by the ASTRA Transport and Logistics Employers's Association is now confirmed by market data showing rapidly rising fuel costs and growing pressure on companies' liquidity. The organization also stresses that the trend is part of a global context of energy-market volatility, but that Romania lacks the fiscal buffers or targeted support schemes adopted by other European states.
Romanian carriers on international routes are already facing fuel-supply restrictions in some neighboring countries, limiting cost optimization and increasing financial strain. With road freight alone contributing over 3.5% to GDP, CONAF cautions that fuel-price spikes cascade through all sectors, from production to retail.
"The transport and logistics sector is not just a cost transmission channel, but a structural pillar of the Romanian economy. With a cumulative contribution of approximately 6.5% to GDP and over 250,000 employees, any major imbalance in this sector generates extensive economic effects, with a direct impact on the labor market, the stability of supply chains and the pace of economic growth. A possible collapse or accelerated contraction of this area would not only represent a sectoral difficulty, but a systemic risk, capable of affecting the functioning of the entire economy," said CONAF president Cristina Chiriac.
CONAF warns that the current pressures on companies stem not only from rising fuel prices but from the combined effect of several factors: volatile international energy markets, existing fiscal burdens, additional regulatory costs and the imbalance between payment and collection terms, especially in high-turnover sectors such as transport and logistics.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the most exposed, with limited capacity to absorb shocks and vulnerable liquidity flows. Without rapid adjustment mechanisms, CONAF says, cost pressures risk triggering a domino effect on investment, employment and overall economic stability.
The organization argues that the public debate should move beyond the simple question of whether the state should intervene and instead address a fundamental issue: "Who absorbs this economic shock - the public budget or the real economy?"
CONAF calls for a calibrated economic response focused on sectors with systemic impact, including transparency in fuel price formation, monitoring of market developments, and temporary targeted measures for transport, agriculture and distribution. It also advocates functional support tools aligned with real cash-flow dynamics, flexible fiscal instruments adapted to energy-market volatility, and a rapid, institutionalised dialogue between authorities and businesses.
The Confederation rejects populist measures but warns that inaction shifts the entire burden onto companies and consumers.
"In such moments, economic leadership does not mean spectacular reactions, but quick, balanced and responsible decisions. It is not just the price at the pump that is at stake. What is at stake is the stability of an economy in which entrepreneurs have already been carrying the burden alone for too long," said CONAF president Cristina Chiriac.
CONAF, which brings together 31 branches, 3 federations, 16 employers' associations, 55 associations and 15,000 companies representing over 245,000 employees, promotes stronger dialogue with authorities and supports policies aimed at sustainable economic growth.
Comentează