Romanian govt adopts decree allowing it to take control of sanctioned companies' assets

MOSCOW. Dec 3 (Interfax) - Romania's coalition government adopted a decree on Tuesday allowing it to take control of the local assets of companies under international sanctions, such as the Russian company Lukoil , Reuters news agency reported.

Lukoil owns 320 filling stations in Romania, operates the country's third largest oil refinery, Petrotel, and holds exploration rights for deposits on the Black Sea shelf.

The oil refinery, which accounts for around a quarter of the fuel supply on the Romanian market, was shut down for maintenance for several weeks.

According to the decree, the government can appoint special managers for companies if sanctions create problems for the economy, provoke a sharp rise in prices or threaten energy security. The prior approval of the country's Supreme Council of National Defence is required.