Download graphical presentation: Energy Security Barometer
On Tuesday, October 28, in the Virgil Madgearu hall of the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, the presentation of the data of the latest Energy Security Barometer conducted by INSCOP Research, between September 29 and October 7, 2025, commissioned by Strategic Thinking Group, took place.
The Energy Security Barometer, now in its fifth edition, is an instrument that aims to measure perceptions, attitudes and visions related to energy policy, analyzed in the broader picture of international relations and domestic economic and social pressures.
Methodology : The national opinion poll was conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of Strategic Thinking Group. The data were collected between September 29 and October 7, 2025. Research method: interview via questionnaire. The data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews), the volume of the simple random sample being 1100 people, representative of significant socio-demographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for the non-institutionalized population of Romania, aged 18 and over. The maximum permissible error of the data is ± 2.95%, at a confidence level of 95%.
Remus Ștefureac – director of INSCOP Research : “The perception of the causes of the energy crisis has diversified, and the war in Ukraine, although remaining the main explanation, is no longer dominant — a sign that Romanian public opinion internalizes other structural causes such as European policies or dysfunctions of the internal market. Black Sea gas is perceived as a symbol of energy independence, but a part of the population, even if a minority, is skeptical about the destination of gas resources. The Neptun Deep project generates optimism, Romanians believe in the economic and security effects, but the positive perception is rather strategic (jobs, income, investments), not immediately personal (lower bills). Acceptance of European energy solidarity is increasing, a sign of geopolitical maturation: Romanians are increasingly willing to support common crisis mechanisms, if reciprocity and management are perceived as fair. Also, attitudes towards supporting the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in the energy field reflect a combination of economic rationality and strategic empathy, consolidating Romania’s image as a responsible regional actor, but with a society that demands that aid not affect domestic interests.”
Agreed statements: The war in Ukraine and the energy crisis
46.1% of Romanians agree with the statement: “The war launched by Russia in Ukraine is the main cause of the energy crisis in Europe” (compared to 51.5% in November 2022), while 46.2% disagree (compared to 45.7% in November 2022), and 7.7% do not know or do not answer.
Agree with the given statement especially: USR voters, women, people over 60. Disagree especially: AUR voters, men, people with primary education, those aged 30 to 59.
Agreement on claims: Black Sea gas resources
63.2% of those interviewed believe that “By exploiting natural gas resources in the Black Sea, Romania will no longer be dependent on imports from Russia” (compared to 66.9% in May 2022), and 28.9% that “The gas that will be extracted from the Black Sea will be sold to the West, it will not remain in Romania” (compared to 26.7% in May 2022). The share of non-responses is 8%.
Agree with the statement “By exploiting the natural gas resources of the Black Sea, Romania will no longer be dependent on imports from Russia” especially: PNL and PSD voters, people over 60, state employees. Agree with the statement “The gas that will be extracted from the Black Sea will be sold to the West, it will not remain in Romania” especially: AUR voters, residents of Bucharest, those with higher education, private employees
18.2% of Romanians believe that the exploitation of Black Sea gas through Neptun Deep will bring economic benefits to Romania to a very large extent, 33.6% to a fairly large extent, 15.3% to a fairly small extent, and 25.3% to a very small extent or not at all. The non-response rate is 7.5%.
Believe that the exploitation of Black Sea gas through Neptun Deep will bring economic benefits to Romania to a very large and quite large extent, especially: PSD, PNL and USR voters, women, people over 60, those with higher education, those with a higher income, residents of Bucharest, state employees. Believe that the exploitation of offshore gas will bring economic benefits to Romania to a small/very small extent or not at all, especially: AUR voters, people between the ages of 30 and 44, those with a low income.
The main economic gain of Neptun Deep
When asked what they believe will be the main economic gain that Romania will obtain from the exploitation of natural gas in the Black Sea through the Neptun Deep project, 39.5% of respondents choose job creation , 27.3% increase in state budget revenues (taxes, duties), 13.2% stimulate investments, and 7.6% develop gas transport networks. 1.1% mention another benefit, while 5% believe that it will not bring any benefit. 5.5% do not know / cannot assess, and 0.8% do not answer.
Believe that the main gain will be job creation, especially: PSD and PNL voters, women, people with primary education, rural residents, those with lower incomes. I believe that the main economic gain will be the increase in state budget revenues (taxes, duties) especially: USR voters, people under 30, Bucharest residents. PSD voters, urban residents, people with higher education believe to a greater extent than the rest of the population that the main economic gain will be the stimulation of investments. USR voters in particular believe that the development of gas transport networks will be the main economic gain.
European Mutual Assistance Mechanism
Given that the EU wants to implement a mechanism for mutual assistance with natural gas between member states in the event of an emergency/crisis, 78.6% of Romanians say they would agree that Romania should import natural gas if needed (compared to 59.6% in November 2022). 18.6% oppose such an idea (compared to 38.7% in November 2022), and 2.9% do not know or do not answer.
Agree with this mutual aid mechanism especially: USR and PNL voters, people with higher education, those with a higher income. Are against this mutual aid mechanism especially: AUR voters, men, those with a lower income, those with medium education.
Mutual assistance mechanism: Romania to the EU
77.7% of respondents agree with this mechanism and in case Romania should help other member countries with natural gas in emergency situations , while 20.5% disagree. 1.8% do not know or do not answer.
Agree with this mutual aid mechanism and if Romania should help other member countries with natural gas in emergency situations, especially: PNL and USR voters, people under 45, those with higher education, those with a higher income. Are against this mechanism in particular: AUR voters, people over 60, those with a low income.
Natural gas supply to the Republic of Moldova
60.3% of Romanians agree that, starting with 2027, the Republic of Moldova should be supplied, for a fee, with a portion of the gas extracted from the Black Sea. 35.4% are against, and 4.3% do not know or do not answer.
Agree that part of the gas extracted from the Black Sea should be supplied to the Republic of Moldova, especially: PSD, PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas, those with a higher income. Are against such a scenario in particular: AUR voters, those with primary or secondary education, those with a low income, residents of small urban areas or rural areas, state employees.
53.4% of those surveyed agree that Romania should help Ukraine with energy in case of crisis/emergency, in the context of attacks by Russia, when Ukraine frequently has problems with energy supply (gas and electricity). 43.1% are against, and 3.5% do not know or do not answer.
Agree with helping Ukraine with energy in case of emergency especially: PSD, PNL and USR voters, people, young people under 30, those with higher education, those with higher income, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas. Disagree especially: AUR voters, people with medium education, those with low income.
Causes of electricity price increases
When asked what the main cause of the increase in electricity prices is , 42.8% of Romanians indicate the wrong decisions taken by the Romanian authorities, 27.3% the desire of Romanian companies to obtain higher profits, 11.1% general inflation, 6.7% the evolution of international prices, 6.1% the level of taxes/royalties , and 0.8% weather conditions (weaker wind, less precipitation). The share of non-responses is 5.2%.
Point to the wrong decisions taken by the Romanian authorities as the main cause of the increase in electricity prices, especially: AUR voters, people over 45, those with a lower income, employees. I believe that the desire of companies in Romania to obtain higher profits is the main cause for the increase in electricity prices, especially: PSD and PNL voters, people over 45, residents of Bucharest, state employees. Young people under 30 believe to a greater extent than the rest of the population that general inflation caused the increase in electricity prices.
Efficiency measures . Capping energy bills
23.2% of respondents believe that the measure to cap energy bills for the population adopted so far by the government to reduce the impact of rising energy prices was totally ineffective (compared to 23.8% in November 2022). 21% believe it was quite ineffective (compared to 29.7% in November 2022), 32.1% quite effective (compared to 35.8% in November 2022), and 17.4% totally effective (compared to 7.3% in November 2022). 6.3% do not know or do not answer.
Believe that the bill capping measure was especially ineffective: AUR voters, young people under 30, residents of Bucharest and small urban areas, those with lower incomes. Believe that the capping measure was especially effective: PSD, PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, those with higher incomes.
Efficiency measures . Support for industry
26.2% of those surveyed consider that the support measures for Romanian industry are totally ineffective (compared to 33.3% in November 2022). 29.3% believe that they are quite ineffective (compared to 34.9% in November 2022), 25.3% quite effective (compared to 20.8% in November 2022), and 9.6% totally effective (compared to 4.3% in November 2022). The non-response rate is 9.6%.
Believe that support measures for Romanian industry are ineffective, especially: AUR voters, men, people over 60, those with higher education, state employees. Believe that support measures for Romanian industry are effective, especially: PNL voters, people under 45, those with a higher income.
Abolishing the cap on electricity prices
16.4% of survey participants completely agree with the government’s decision to abandon the cap on electricity prices starting July 1, 2025. 15.9% somewhat agree, 11.3% somewhat disagree, and 53.1% completely disagree. 3.2% don’t know or don’t answer.
Agree with this decision especially: USR voters and the residents of Bucharest. Are especially against this decision: AUR voters, people over 45, respondents with primary education and those who live in rural areas, respectively people with very low incomes, who declare that they do not have enough even for the bare necessities
Beneficiaries of subsidized prices
When asked who should benefit from lower energy prices, subsidized by public money, 50.5% of Romanians choose only those with low incomes, and 24.8% choose both those with low incomes and those with high incomes. 22.8% believe that energy prices should NOT be subsidized by public money for any category. The non-response rate is 1.8%.
Believe that only those with low incomes should benefit from lower energy prices, especially: PNL and USR voters, people over 60, residents of small towns, and state employees.
People with incomes that they declare are not enough for even the bare necessities and people with primary education believe to a greater extent than the rest of the population that both those with low and high incomes should benefit from subsidized energy prices.
Believe that energy prices should NOT be subsidized from public money for any category in particular: residents of Bucharest and people with very high incomes.
Statements (I) . Vulnerable consumers – low income
The statement “I am a vulnerable energy consumer because I have difficulties paying my electricity/heat/gas bills” is agreed by 42.2% of those interviewed (compared to 21.5% in June 2020). 56.5% disagree (compared to 78.4% in June 2020), and 1.4% do not know or do not answer.
Agree with this statement especially: AUR voters, people with primary education and respondents with very low incomes, which are not enough for even the bare necessities. Disagree with this statement especially: USR voters, people with higher education and people with high and very high incomes.
Statements (II) . Vulnerable consumers – insufficient information
49.6% of all survey participants agree with the statement “I am a vulnerable energy consumer because I do not have sufficient information and knowledge about how the electricity/heat/gas market works” (compared to 61.1% in June 2020). 47.5% disagree (compared to 37.6% in June 2020), and 3% do not know or do not answer (compared to 1.3% in June 2020).
Especially agree with this statement: PSD voters, people up to 35 years old and respondents with primary education. Especially disagree with this statement: USR voters, people with higher education and people with very high incomes.
Statements (III) . Monthly subsidy vs. Aid for efficiency in consumption
40% of those surveyed rather agree with the statement: “I prefer the monthly subsidy from the state to cover energy costs (capping, compensation, heating aid)” (compared to 35.5% in November 2022). 52.7% agree with the statement: “I prefer state aid to reduce consumption and increase the energy efficiency of the home (money for photovoltaic panels, for thermal insulation)” (compared to 60.8% in November 2022). The share of non-responses is 7.2% (compared to 3.7% in November 2022).
Agree with this statement especially: respondents with primary education and people with very low and low incomes. Disagree with this statement especially: USR voters, people with higher education and people with high incomes, who manage to buy some more expensive goods, but with restrictions in other areas.
The Government’s reasons for abandoning the cap
53.3% of respondents believe that the lack of money in the state budget to maintain the cap is the main reason why the Government decided to abandon the cap on electricity prices. 27.4% believe that pressure from the EU is the main reason, and 12.7% believe that pressure from energy companies is the main reason. 2.1% believe that another reason is the reason, and 4.4% do not know or do not answer.
Believe that the lack of money in the state budget to maintain the cap is the main reason, especially for: USR voters, people with higher education and people with high and very high incomes, respectively state employees. Believe that pressure from the EU is the main reason, especially for: AUR voters and people aged between 45 and 60. PSD and PNL voters believe to a greater extent than the rest of the population that pressure from energy companies is the main reason.
Causes of fuel price increases
54.2% of those interviewed believe that the Government’s decision to increase taxes and excise duties is the main cause of the increase in fuel prices (gasoline, diesel) in Romania. 20.3% indicate the decisions of companies in Romania to artificially increase prices at the pump, and 18.9% indicate international price developments. 6.6% do not know or do not answer.
They believe that the Government’s decision to increase taxes and excise duties is the main cause of the increase in fuel prices, especially: AUR voters, people aged between 30 and 45 and residents of large urban areas. PSD voters and people over 60 believe to a greater extent than the rest of the population that the decisions of companies in Romania to artificially increase prices at the pump are the main cause. Believe that international price developments are the main cause of the increase in fuel prices, especially: USR, PNL voters and people with high and very high incomes.
49.4% of those surveyed consider the possibility of changing their current natural gas supplier if they receive a better offer from another supplier (compared to 38% in June 2020 and 17.4% in May 2021), while 27.8% reject this possibility (compared to 27.9% in June 2020, and 27.6% in May 2021). 21.6% declare that they are not connected to the network (compared to 30.8% in June 2020, and 48.9% in May 2021). 1.3% do not know or do not answer (compared to 3.3% in June 2020, and 5.6% in May 2021).
Consider the possibility of changing their current natural gas supplier in particular: PNL and USR voters, young people up to 30 years old, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest and people with high incomes. Reject this possibility in particular: people over 60 years old, people with very high incomes and residents of large urban areas. PSD voters and rural respondents declare that they are not connected to the network to a greater extent than the rest of the population.
Change of electricity supplier
61.4% of Romanians consider the possibility of changing their current electricity supplier if they receive a better offer from another supplier (compared to 52.6% in June 2020 and 40.2% in May 2021), while 37.5% reject this possibility (compared to 47% in June 2020, and 53.7% in May 2021). 0.5% declare that they are not connected to the grid (compared to 0.4% in June 2020, and 1.2% in May 2021). 0.6% do not know or do not answer (compared to 0% in June 2020, and 5% in May 2021).
Consider the possibility of changing their current electricity supplier especially: PNL and USR voters, young people up to 30 years old, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest and people with high incomes. Reject this possibility especially: PSD voters and people over 60 years old.
Agreement of statements: State vs. Private companies
55.9% of all survey participants tend to agree with the statement: “If it had control over companies in the energy sector (oil, gas, electricity), the state would provide better services for citizens” (compared to 46.7% in May 2021 and 61.3% in November 2022). 34.4% agree with the statement: “Private companies in the energy sector (oil, gas, electricity) provide better services for citizens” (compared to 47% in May 2021, and 29.7% in November 2022). The non-response rate is 9.7% (compared to 6.3% in May 2021, and 9.8% in November 2022).
Agree with the statement “If it had control over companies in the energy sector (oil, gas, electricity), the state would provide better services for citizens” especially: PSD voters and people over 45 years old, respectively state employees. Agree with the statement: “Private companies in the energy sector (oil, gas, electricity) provide better services for citizens” especially: USR voters, people up to 30 years old, residents of Bucharest and people with very high incomes.
Statement agreement: Privatization of state-owned companies
52.6% of Romanians agree with the statement “The privatization of state-owned companies in the energy sector has led to an increase in efficiency and the elimination of corruption in these companies” (compared to 49.1% in May 2021), while 41.9% disagree (compared to 42.9% in May 2021). The non-response rate is 5.5%.
Agree with this statement especially: PNL and USR voters, people under 30, and respondents with very high incomes. Disagree with this statement especially: people with primary education and respondents with very low incomes.
Statement Agreement: Minority stakes in listed companies
71.9% of respondents agree with the statement “The state must retain minority stakes in listed energy companies,” while 22.8% disagree. 5.2% do not know or do not answer.
Agree with this statement especially: PSD voters, people between 45 and 60 years old, residents of small urban areas, people with very high incomes and those who are employed in the private sector. Disagree with this statement especially: AUR voters and respondents up to 29 years old.
Green energy development
13.6% of those surveyed believe that developing energy production from green sources can be a solution to increase the EU’s energy independence to a very small extent (compared to 15.5% in November 2022), 20.3% to a fairly small extent (compared to 28.5% in November 2022), 31.2% to a fairly large extent (compared to 32.7% in November 2022), and 27.1% to a very large extent (compared to 20.3% in November 2022). The non-response rate is 7.8%.
Believe to a small extent that developing energy production from green sources can be a solution to increase the EU’s energy independence, especially: AUR voters, people with primary education, residents of small urban or rural areas, those with a low income.
PNL and USR voters, young people under 30, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas, those with higher incomes, and private sector employees believe the most that developing energy production from green sources can be a solution to increase the EU’s energy independence.
The importance of reducing pollution
For 37.9% of survey participants it is very important (compared to 70% in June 2020) that Romania reduces pollution generated by burning fuels (coal, fuels, wood). For 31.4% it is important (compared to 22.8% in June 2020), for 13.3% it is not very important (compared to 3.4% in June 2020), and for 15.7% it is very not important (compared to 2.3% in June 2020). 1.8% do not know or do not answer.
Think it is very important and important for Romania to reduce pollution generated by burning fuels, especially: PSD, PNL and USR voters, women, young people up to 30 years old, Bucharest residents and people with very high incomes. Believe that this objective is of little or very little importance, especially: AUR voters and respondents aged between 45 and 60.
Importance of renewable energy development
54.3% of Romanians believe that it is very important for Romania to develop the renewable energy sector (solar panels, wind energy/windmills). 28% consider it important, 7.9% not very important, and 1.5% very little important. 2.5% do not know or do not answer.
Believe that it is very important and important for Romania to develop the renewable energy sector, especially: PNL voters, women, people with medium education and those with medium incomes. Consider this objective to be of little or very little importance, especially: AUR voters and those with very low incomes.
Importance of using natural gas
Asked how important it is for Romania to use natural gas from the Black Sea to expand the gas supply to the population , 68.5% of those surveyed consider it very important (compared to 70.3% in June 2020), 24.5% important (compared to 22.8% in June 2020), 3.9% not very important (compared to 3.1% in June 2020) and 2.1% very not important (compared to 1.5% in June 2020). The non-response rate is 1%.
There are no significant variations in the socio-demographic distribution of those who believe that it is very important and important for Romania to use natural gas from the Black Sea to expand the gas supply to the population. Believe that this objective is of little or very little importance, especially young people up to 30 years old.
Energy sources that should be encouraged in Romania
Asked to express their opinion on the energy sources that should be most encouraged in Romania, 49.4% of respondents mention energy produced by solar panels (photovoltaics), 37.4% energy produced by hydroelectric power plants, 33.1% wind energy (produced by wind), 17.9% nuclear energy, 10.6% energy produced by burning coal , 10.3% energy produced by burning waste (biomass), 9.1% energy produced by burning natural gas , and 7% geothermal energy. 4.1% of those surveyed do not know or do not answer.
Believe that energy produced by solar panels should be encouraged the most in Romania, especially: PNL and USR voters, young people under 30 and respondents with high incomes. PNL voters, people over 60 and respondents with higher education believe to a greater extent than the rest of the population that energy produced by hydroelectric power plants should be encouraged the most. Believe that wind energy should be encouraged the most, especially USR voters, young people under 30 and respondents with very high incomes.
Agreed statements: Development of nuclear energy production
65.1% of respondents believe that Romania should develop its capacity to produce nuclear energy (compared to 65.9% in May 2021), while 24.3% believe that this capacity should not be developed (compared to 26.3% in May 2021). 10.6% do not know or do not answer.
Agree that Romania should develop its capacity to produce nuclear energy, especially: USR voters, young people up to 30 years old, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest, and respondents with high and very high education. Are against developing the capacity to produce nuclear energy, especially: people between 45 and 60 years old and people with very low incomes.
If they had enough money, 30.9% of Romanians would choose to purchase a hybrid car, 19.9% one on diesel, 18.6% electric, 18.1% one on gasoline, 6.3% on LPG, and 3.7% do not know. 2.5% do not answer.
USR voters, people with high incomes and respondents with higher education are more likely than the rest of the population to buy a hybrid car. People with primary education and respondents with very low incomes would choose to buy a diesel car in particular. Especially people with PNL voters and people aged between 30 and 45 would choose to buy an electric car. AUR voters, people aged between 45 and 60 and respondents with very low incomes would choose to buy a petrol car in particular.
Download graphical presentation: Energy Security Barometer