Long regarded as one of the least developed countries in the European Union, Romania is catching up economically.

The Romanian minimum wage has risen from €115 per month on 1 January 2007 to €663 at the start of 2024, and to over €800 in 2025 – a sevenfold increase over 18 years. Over the same period, travel allowances have more than doubled.

In terms of costs in the road haulage sector, the war in Ukraine is exacerbating labour market tensions, driving up fuel prices and increasing the cost of vehicles. Changes to local social regulations and the implementation of European driving regulations are leading to a reorganisation of work, resulting in a fall in hourly productivity and a rise in the cost of drivers.

The hourly cost of driving has risen by +14 % over three years. The cost of fuel has risen by +49 % and vehicle running costs by +56 %.

Ultimately, the cost per kilometre for the Romanian flag comes to €1.08, having risen by more than 30 % in just a few years.