Gas tariffs won't be revised until acquisition costs are clarified, Energy Minister
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that tariffs for end consumers cannot be revised until all natural gas stocks are replenished and the future costs of purchasing methane are determined. These tariffs are based on a one-year forecast and are adjusted only when significant fluctuations in natural gas purchase prices occur.
Clarifications were provided in the context of Energocom signing new gas purchase contracts for 2025-2026, although the prices at which the gas was acquired have not been made public. The ceiling price for these purchases is determined based on regional stock market indices and is approved by the Energocom Board. The company noted that some auctions could not be completed successfully because, despite low prices on the stock exchanges, the bids received exceeded the ceiling approved by the Board.
The Minister of Energy emphasized the importance of storing natural gas in underground storage facilities in Ukraine and Romania, as it ensures the diversification of gas sources. Some of the gas will be supplied under bilateral contracts based on demand and consumption. Additionally, part of the gas is purchased in advance at optimal prices and stored, while other volumes can be acquired through different methods. The Minister also pointed out that when considering final tariffs for consumers, it would be misleading to focus solely on prices at the TTF exchange, given that transportation costs from the Netherlands are high. Instead, it is more beneficial to refer to prices on the Romanian exchanges, where nearly all gas volumes are procured.
Furthermore, the Government has decided to increase the security stocks of natural gas from 47 million to approximately 50 million cubic meters. This amount corresponds to the gas consumption needs for at least ten days during the winter period. These security stocks will only be utilized in emergency situations within the natural gas sector.
