
The tariff for natural gas for end consumers of Moldova may more than double - from 4.29 to 10 lei per 1 cubic meter of gas.
Chairman of the Board of Moldovagaz Vadim Ceban didn’t rule out such an increase in tariffs while he was speaking on the air of the TV channel N4. He did not name the exact figure of the new tariff, which the company will request from ANRE, noting that all the necessary calculations, analyzes and forecasts have not been completed yet. He just said that Moldovagaz will present its calculations of the new gas tariff for end consumers to the energy regulator as soon as possible. “We are at the stage of completing the preparation of the necessary materials, but more time is needed to analyze various options and scenarios, make forecasts for the next year on gas prices, volumes of gas consumption in different periods, etc.,” said Vadim Ceban. The head of Moldovagaz noted that the company is analyzing various options, scenarios, it is necessary to make a forecast for the next year, take into account the purchase of gas at new prices in the remaining two months of this year and in 2022, see what the average purchase price of gas may be, taking into account petroleum product quotations and gas spot prices. An important role in the calculations is also played by the exchange rate, the volume of gas consumption in the warm and cold seasons, much will depend on the weather, and in general there are many complex calculations to be done. When asked what the new gas tariffs could be in Moldova and whether it is true that they can reach or exceed 10 lei per 1 cubic meter of gas, the Chairman of the Board of Moldovagaz noted that it is impossible to say anything now. “In the summer, we said that the gas tariff should be increased by at least 30%, and then we were talking about a tariff of 6-6.5 lei. But now we are in a different situation and, accordingly, it may be around 10 lei, but I cannot say for sure”, stressed Vadim Ceban. He drew attention to the fact that gas prices and tariffs have increased in other countries as well. “This is obviously an unpleasant situation. This is always the case when tariffs go up, but you have to go through with it. This will be a shock for everyone, not only for the population, but also for the public sector, for the economy. It is important for the government to present a subsidy program for the population and help them to overcome the difficult period,” said the head of the Moldovagaz Board. // 03.11.2021 - InfoMarket