Moldovan regulator proposes gas price increase to €1.04 per m³
Moldovan households face potential natural gas price increases to €1.04 (approx. 20.3 MDL) per cubic meter including VAT, representing a 38% surge over current rates.
The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) published a draft decision outlining the new end-user tariff of 18.7 MDL per cubic meter excluding VAT.
Market volatility triggers rate adjustment
The regulatory proposal follows an even higher price request from state supplier Energocom, which sought a rate of €1.07 (approx. 20.93 MDL) per cubic meter.
Energocom cited escalating global procurement costs and accumulated negative tariff deficits exceeding €5.4 million (approx. 106.8 million MDL).
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that the tariff revision strictly adheres to statutory methodology and reflects European wholesale market conditions.
Global energy trends drive local costs
Wholesale gas benchmark prices recently surged past €59, peaking at €69 per megawatt-hour on European exchanges.
"Imported gas costs account for roughly 60% of consumer energy bills, representing an external factor beyond domestic control," Junghietu explained ahead of a July 22 cabinet meeting.
The remaining bill composition includes distribution tariffs at 28.4%, transport fees, supply services, and financial correction components.
Financial stability and public consultation
Under ANRE rules, regulatory adjustments occur annually or whenever financial deviations cross a 1% corporate turnover threshold.
Energocom projected average import prices to rise from €423.28 per thousand cubic meters in early 2026 to €623.54 during the August–December period.
The Energy Ministry requested sector operators identify operational cost reductions to soften consumer impact, while ANRE’s proposed draft now enters public consultations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
