---
title: "A gas price hike moratorium has high budget costs"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/88952/a-gas-price-hike-moratorium-has-high-budget-costs
published: 2026-11-05T05:30:00Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# A gas price hike moratorium has high budget costs

> The government might consider imposing a moratorium on natural gas tariff increases during the cold season. However, such a measure would entail significant costs for the state budget, according to Marcel Spatari, chair of the parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget and Finance.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/78b0acf2-b3ea-4afe-895d-ca75f992ab2a.jpg)

The government might consider imposing a moratorium on natural gas tariff increases during the cold season. However, such a measure would entail significant costs for the state budget, according to Marcel Spatari, chair of the parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget and Finance.

When asked about the possibility of freezing gas tariff increases for consumers until the spring, the MP stated that the Executive branch could employ the necessary mechanisms, though such a decision would entail significant financial costs.

"Theoretically, the Government can intervene, but I am not certain of the current stage of discussions on this matter. In principle, yes—the state of emergency provides the necessary tools—but we must recognize that any intervention will come at a cost. These costs would be covered by the state budget, meaning funds would need to be reallocated from other budgetary lines; such steps must be carefully weighed. The Government will analyze the situation and put forward proposals if deemed necessary," stated the MP from the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) faction during a show on Realitatea TV.

Furthermore, Spatari noted that, unlike in the early years of the energy crisis—when the Republic of Moldova received grants to fund compensation schemes—the state must now cover these expenses using its own resources. This shift reflects a changing international landscape, in which external support has become increasingly uncertain. “In previous years—especially during the first winters of the energy crisis—we benefited from grants provided by European states to help absorb the energy shock and fund compensation schemes. However, it is important to realize that, at a certain point, even these donors began facing their own challenges regarding energy prices, as this is a pan-European issue. Look at what is happening in France or Germany; these countries also need funds to compensate their own citizens. Therefore, it is only natural that we should fund this through the state budget,” the parliamentarian added.

Despite these difficulties, the authorities in Chișinău are attempting to secure international financial support.

"The government has reached out to several states, and discussions are underway. We are talking about grants—donations from these countries—and no one is obligated to provide them. But even if the funding we receive is limited, it is still a step forward," stated Marcel Spătari.

Household consumers pay 26.14 lei per cubic meter of natural gas, VAT included. The tariff was increased on October 1st by nearly 6 lei per cubic meter. Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu did not rule out the possibility of another adjustment before the end of the year, depending on how procurement prices and consumption levels evolve.

The price of natural gas purchased for November has reached 84–86 euros per megawatt-hour, compared to 76–78 euros in October. Procurement costs account for 60% to 70% of the tariff consumers pay.