The Republic of Moldova has launched the process of returning the aviation fuel terminal operated by the Russian company Lukoil at Chisinau International Airport to state ownership. 

Because the fuel terminal serves the country's only international airport, it is classified by the Moldovan authorities as critical infrastructure. 

After the US and the UK imposed sanctions on Lukoil late last year, Chisinau International Airport stopped buying fuel from Lukoil Moldova, purchasing it instead from Romanian suppliers and storing it at the fuel terminal, which is still owned by Lukoil.

In November, Moldova's government offered to purchase some of Lukoil's local assets in the country, including the airport fuel terminal. When sales negotiations stalled, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu announced that Moldova would return to state ownership Lukoil's assets at the airport, which were privatized in 2005.

Experts say that, for nearly two decades, Moldova has relied on the Russian company for its kerosene jet fuel supplies, with Lukoil Moldova serving as the airport's sole supplier since privatization in 2005.

The process of taking over the fuel terminal from Lukoil Moldova is already underway and is expected to be completed by mid-January. 

The decision comes amid broader international pressure on Russian companies after Moldova joined Western sanctions against the Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft.