Romgaz board loses director as Romania reshapes energy governance: DN Agrar targets 500m exports by 2030

Iulius Dan Plaveti resigns from Romgaz board as Romanian energy sector faces fresh governance shake-up. The move, confirmed on Monday, 08.06.2026, follows months of political pressure on state-owned enterprises and comes as the government of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu prepares to finalise a new energy strategy for 2026–2030. Plaveti, a former senior executive at the Ministry of Energy, had held the mandate since 2023, overseeing key projects including the expansion of the Romgaz underground gas storage capacity at Pungești. His departure leaves the board with two vacant seats, raising concerns about the continuity of Romania’s €1.2 billion investment programme in domestic gas infrastructure .

The resignation coincides with a broader political realignment in Bucharest. The ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) has signalled it will only support the Tomac government’s budget if it adopts stricter oversight of state-controlled companies, including Romgaz and oil refiner Petrom. PSD deputy Daniel Savu told reporters on Sunday that “transparent procurement and independent audits” must be guaranteed before any further financial guarantees are issued. The ultimatum reflects wider frustration within the coalition over alleged opacity in energy-sector contracts .

In parallel, Romania’s largest integrated agrifood group, DN AGRAR, has unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at doubling export revenues to €500 million by 2030. The company, which operates processing plants in Iași, Constanța, and Timișoara, will focus on organic cereals, dairy, and meat products destined for EU markets. CEO Elena Mărgărit said the plan hinges on securing €80 million in EU green-finance grants and expanding storage capacity by 120,000 tonnes. “We are positioning Romania as the breadbasket of South-Eastern Europe,” Mărgărit told a press conference in Bucharest on Monday .

Elsewhere, the automotive sector sees a leadership change: Cristian Prichea, former head of Toyota Romania, has been appointed CEO of Auto Italia, the country’s third-largest car distributor. Prichea, who takes office on 15 June, will oversee a network of 28 dealerships and a €45 million investment in electric-vehicle infrastructure. Industry analysts note the appointment underscores Italy’s growing interest in Romania’s expanding EV market, driven by a 35% increase in registrations during the first quarter of 2026 .

Finally, Bucharest’s historic Manuc’s Inn celebrates 220 years with a €2.5 million restoration that preserves its Ottoman-era frescoes and traditional kitchen. The venue, which has hosted figures from Mihai Eminescu to Charles de Gaulle, will reopen on 12 June with a menu curated by chef Florin Dumitrescu, blending 18th-century recipes with modern techniques. “This is more than a restaurant,” said historian Ioana Popescu. “It is a living archive of Romanian identity” .