Transnistria utility costs soar amid gas crisis
As of March 1st, residents of the Transnistrian region will face increased utility costs. Tariffs for natural gas, electricity, heating, and water will rise, according to the self-proclaimed Transnistrian authorities.
The price of natural gas will more than double, increasing from 0.94 lei to 1.98 lei (0,05-0,10 euro) per cubic meter. The electricity tariff will also increase by approximately 60%, rising from 1.01 lei/KWh to 1.62 lei/KWh. The price of heating will rise from 467.44 lei/Gcal (23,9 euro) to 849.33 lei/Gcal (43,5 euro). Water tariffs will also increase, from 9.03 lei to 11.34 lei per cubic meter.
The increased tariffs are due to several factors, including natural gas delivery conditions and reduced electricity production at the MGRES power plant, which is operating at only a third of its former capacity.
Since February 14th, the Transnistrian region has received gas via the European trader MET, funded by a Dubai-based company. The government emphasized that this arrangement is not an agreement with Russia or any other entity, but rather authorization from the executive branch to ensure the people of Transnistria receive gas and avoid freezing.
While Tiraspol claims the gas supply is based on a loan from Moscow, experts warn this arrangement could allow Russia to maintain its influence in the region.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
