PN deputies request Prosecutor’s Office data on potential gas purchase investigations
Members of the "Our Party" (PN) parliamentary faction are seeking information from the Prosecutor's Office regarding the ongoing investigations into the acquisition of energy resources from 2021 to 2025.
The vice-president of the faction, Elena Grițco, addressed a press briefing at Parliament on February 17, stating that a request had been submitted to both the Prosecutor General's Office and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. This request pertains to the purchase of gas and fuel oil, as well as to electricity contracts.
"People have endured price increase after price increase and have always been told that this is how the market operates, with no alternatives available. Today, the public demands a simple, clear answer: Did the state purchase gas at a fair price, or did it intentionally pay an inflated price? If there were mistakes or abuses, who is accountable?" the parliamentarian emphasized.
She added that "every leu paid in excess has contributed to the poverty of our citizens," asserting that it is the people's right to understand the actual situation.
"Our Party will insist on transparency and require clear answers. We will continue to advocate for the public's right to know how energy resources are managed in the Republic of Moldova," stated the vice-president of the PN faction, which consists of six deputies out of a total of 101.
We remind you that as of February 4, household consumers in the country are paying less for natural gas. The new tariff, inclusive of VAT, is 14.42 lei per cubic meter, down from 16.74 lei previously.
In Chisinau, residents connected to centralized heating are also seeing a decrease in costs. Starting February 13, the price of heat is now 2,020 lei per Gcal, excluding VAT, which is 490 lei less than the previous rate. However, the situation in Balti differs, as heating costs have increased by 75 lei, bringing the price to 2,201 lei per Gcal, excluding VAT.
Electricity suppliers are also requesting tariff increases. In calculations provided to the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), Premier Energy, which serves customers in the center and south of the country, is seeking a new tariff of 3.83 lei per kWh for household consumers, which is an increase of 24 bani over the current rate. Meanwhile, FeeNord, which serves consumers in northern Romania, is requesting a tariff of 4.32 lei per kWh, an increase of 32 bani.
Energy expert Sergiu Ungureanu told Teleradio-Moldova that these requests appear justified, as the energy purchased recently is significantly more expensive. This situation is exacerbated by the international political context and colder weather, which have led to a rise in fuel and natural gas prices at power plants. However, the expert believes that ANRE should thoroughly evaluate the data and consider whether it is feasible to postpone these increases.
Additionally, the authorities are assisting families with modest incomes in paying for energy resources during the cold season through the "Help at the Meter" program. For the January compensations, which were approved for 622,000 households, the Government allocated 469 million lei.
