
In the event of a new increase in the natural gas tariff, compensations for end consumers will also increase, and the system of payment of these compensations might also be improved.
Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilitsa told reporters about this, noting that there is a hope that tariffs might not increase if the trend of decreasing gas prices continues on the international market. The head of the Cabinet reminded that when there are negative deviations, and they are above the threshold of 5%, then ANRE can set a new tariff within 15 days. “But we see that the prices in the market have decreased. We hope that in February the gas purchase price for Moldova will be lower than in January, and ANRE will take into account the possibility of re-separation of payments and subsequent accounting for negative deviations of the company. In any case, after a possible request from Moldovagaz, the regulator will have up to 2 weeks to establish a new tariff. But the current legislation provides that the government, in order to support household consumers in the cold season, compensates them for the difference in tariffs for gas consumption as follows: the first 50 cubic meters of gas is compensated at 67% of the difference between the price in the calculated month and October 2021, and for the next 100 cubic meters - 50% of this difference. Thus, if the tariff rises, the amount of compensation will also increase. At the same time, discussions are underway about the possibility of taking additional measures to support citizens. We understand the standard of living of citizens; we know that any growth hits their pockets. We are analyzing the option of increasing the proportion of coverage of the difference in tariff for the first 50 cubic meters of gas. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, together with the Ministry of Finance, will analyze the situation with the increase in the natural gas tariff and the impact on consumers, as well as the funds allocated for compensation, and will present proposals to improve the compensation system and increase the funds’ size,” the head of the Cabinet said. // 13.01.2022 - InfoMarket