Moldovagaz seeks 39.7% hike in gas tariffs from December 1
"Moldovagaz" has requested approval from the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) to raise natural gas tariffs by approximately 4 lei per cubic meter, starting December 1.
ANRE is scheduled to review the request on Wednesday, November 27.
According to “Moldovagaz's” request, the average tariff for gas supply is expected to increase to 14.04 lei per cubic meter (excluding VAT), a 39.7% rise compared to the current rate of 10.05 lei (excluding VAT), which was approved in May 2024.
If ANRE approves the gas supplier's request, household consumers may begin paying 16.17 lei per cubic meter (excluding VAT) starting December 1, a 33.1% increase from the current tariff of 12.15 lei (excluding VAT).
Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated during a government meeting on September 11 that Moldovan citizens would not face higher tariffs for natural gas and electricity this season. Moreover, he dismissed earlier public claims about potential price hikes as "false."
“The election campaign has not even begun, yet it seems as if, on cue, an attack has been launched with false information, particularly about gas and electricity tariffs. The government cannot predict international market developments, but I want to assure everyone that Moldovans will not pay higher prices for gas and electricity this season. I urge those involved in the election campaign to focus on development projects and show how they plan to advance the Republic of Moldova rather than spreading false information,” Dorin Recean declared.
In a recent statement on Radio Moldova, Prime Minister Dorin Recean emphasized that there are no grounds for reducing gas tariffs. “Today, we certainly cannot talk about a decrease in gas prices. What is important is to ensure price stability, and the government is preparing the necessary measures to shield consumers from any market fluctuations.”
It should be noted that the most recent adjustment to gas tariffs was approved by ANRE at the start of May this year. According to ANRE's decision on May 2, the tariff was reduced by 1.24 lei to 12.15 lei per cubic meter.
Notably, the highest price paid by Moldovan consumers was 29.27 lei per cubic meter, VAT included. This tariff was in effect from October 2022 to July 2023.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
