The filling stations and oil products stores in the municipality of Chisinau can be designed, placed and built only based on an detailed urban development plan consulted with the population and approved in accordance with the law, as the Chisinau Municipal Council decided in its recent meeting, IPN reports.

Under the Council’s decision, it is not allowed designing, placing and building gas stations in protection areas of lakes and ponds, areas of drinking water supply sources, areas of health resorts and sanatoriums, green urban areas or on the territory of natural reserves, near social institutions, monument protection places and heritage buildings of national or local importance, near recreation places or sports grounds.

Mayor general Ion Ceban said there are too many gas stations in Chisinau for such a small city. Moreover, some of the filling stations trend into bars and cafes. “That’s why the local public authorities aim to reduce the number of these and to move the locations towards industrial areas,” stated the mayor. The Chisinau City Hall will request the Government to consider the possibility of restoring the previous projection distance of 50 meters.

There are about 135 filling stations in the municipality of Chisinau.