Conpet Director’s Salary Sparks Debate Over State Firm Pay

From Pipeline Guard to €14,110 Monthly Paycheck

A high salary for the general manager of Romanian state-owned pipeline operator Conpet is under scrutiny, raising questions about compensation at state-run companies, as some officials call for voluntary pay cuts.

Rapid Ascent to Management

Dorin Tudora, a graduate of the Gas Petroleum University in Ploiești, started at Conpet in 1999 as an electromechanical sub-engineer. By 2001, Tudora was responsible for guarding transport pipes and pumping stations. He became HSEQ director (responsible for environmental protection, labor and occupational safety and emergency situations) in 2009 and served as general director from 2010 to 2012.

Strategic Resignation and Re-Employment

Despite legal limits, Tudora has extended his tenure as general manager. Following a stint as Deputy General Manager starting in February 2020, he was re-appointed general manager, provisionally, in 2021, according to his CV.

To remain in control for nearly seven years, Tudora resigned in 2023, only to re-enter the competition for the same job, unopposed.

“On Ordinance 109/2011 the mandates expired at CAs and then my mandate was interrupted by my choice. So I interrupted by my will the first mandate,” Dorin Tudora told the newspaper.

Salary Considerations

With increasing pressure on state-owned enterprises to cut costs, Tudora was asked if he would take a pay cut. He acknowledged considering the idea, stating, “Do you believe that yesterday I heard the communications from Mr. Atanasiu (no-Dragoș Anastasiu-Vice Prepression). What to tell you, I go now to a work in Constanța. I will think, but last night I heard the communications, more than what to tell you? Something concrete, but I would lie to tell you that yes or no.”

Leadership Compensation

According to his declaration of wealth, Tudora earns 859,780 lei annually (170,000 euros), or 14,110 euros monthly, placing him among Romania’s highest-paid state company employees.

The Deputy General Manager, Ana Maria Mihaela Dumitrache, earns 556,592 RON (109,575 euros) annually, based on public statements. The declaration of wealth for the second deputy general manager, Radu Florin Necșulescu, is currently undergoing anonymization. Sanda Toader, Conpet’s economic director, has an annual allowance of 466,783 RON (92,000 euros).

Conpet’s Core Business

Conpet SA, headquartered in Ploiești, is under the Ministry of Energy, providing oil transport services via pipelines and railway cars, supplying oil and derivatives from domestic and imported sources. With a 3200 km pipeline network across 24 counties, Conpet’s main partners include OMV Petrom, Lukoil, and Rompetrol Rafinare. As of 2022, pipeline transportation accounted for 43% of total freight transport performance in Romania (Statista).

Public Outcry Over “Nabab” Salaries

Deputy Prime Minister Dragoș Anastasiu stated that officials at state-owned firms are considering salary reductions amid government efforts to cut expenses and improve public sector efficiency. Anastasiu told Digi 24 that many “who have consciousness” are willing to reduce their income to below the President of Romania’s salary. President Nicușor Dan announced his net monthly salary as approximately 17,000 lei on June 26.

Economy Minister Radu Miruță announced that the director of Incertrans reduced his salary from 53,910 lei to 14,000 lei.