OMV Petrom SA faces large‑scale workforce restructuring
The most recent announcement from OMV Petrom SA’s chief executive, Cristina Verchere, confirms that the company will reduce its workforce by nearly one thousand employees. The decision follows a broader strategy set by the Austrian parent company OMV to streamline operations and cut costs amid a challenging macro‑economic environment.
The scale of the cut
According to Verchere, “tăierea de posturi” has already begun. While the company did not initially disclose the exact number, the CEO now confirms that roughly 1 000 positions will be eliminated. The announcement, made on 6 November 2025, aligns with a prior report from September that warned of a potential wave of layoffs.
The restructuring will affect employees across the company’s value chain, from exploration and production to downstream marketing activities. OMV Petrom has stressed that any terminations will comply with local labour law and will be carried out in consultation with employee representatives.
Why the cut?
OMV Petrom is operating in a period of high volatility in the oil and gas market. Global prices have fallen since mid‑2023, and the company’s financial performance has been under pressure. While the firm remains the largest producer of oil and gas in Romania—and a leading player in the broader Central and Eastern European region—its profit margins have tightened.
The company’s recent inclusion in the Coface CEE Top 500, where it ranks 21st, underscores its strong operational efficiency and pricing power. Yet the broader regional picture remains mixed, with the Southeast European “Top 100” rankings showing a 3.2 % decline in corporate revenues. Even so, OMV Petrom has maintained its leadership position, indicating that the firm’s core assets are still robust.
Market reaction
The announcement has generated mixed reactions from investors. OMV Petrom’s share price, which closed at €0.1925 on 4 November 2025, sits comfortably below its 52‑week high of €0.24 but above the low of €0.1169. The price‑earnings ratio of 17.5 suggests that the market values the company’s earnings potential, albeit with some caution.
Analysts note that while workforce reductions will reduce operating costs, the short‑term impact on morale and operational capacity could be significant. The company’s market capitalization of approximately €11.99 billion reflects a mature asset base that has weathered similar restructuring cycles in the past.
Looking forward
OMV Petrom’s CEO has emphasized that the layoffs are part of a “necessary adjustment” to align the company with evolving market dynamics. The firm plans to reinforce its focus on core upstream activities while optimizing downstream operations. In addition, the company is expected to continue leveraging its strong market position within Romania and the broader CEE region to drive profitability.
As the industry adapts to geopolitical pressures, regulatory changes, and the transition to a lower‑carbon economy, OMV Petrom’s restructuring moves will be closely watched. Stakeholders will be keen to see whether the cost savings translate into improved financial performance and whether the company can sustain its leadership role amid a rapidly changing energy landscape.
