National energy regulation agency of Moldova announces in early March public debates on gas tariffs

Chisinau, 06 March /MOLDPRES/ – The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) announces public debates on 07 March, as to examine regulated gas tariffs and prices for 2018. Among the invited ones to the meeting are: citizens, associations formed in accordance with law and other interested parties.

According to request of Moldovagaz on tariff revaluation, gas supplier estimates a reduction of 11.4 per cent on average tariff for ultimate users, from MDL 5,545 for 1000 m3 of gas to MDL 4,914.97 (excluding VAT of 8 per cent). Following the initial consultations, set on 22 February, ANRE proposed to reduce average tariff by 20.3 per cent to MDL 4,420 for 1000 m3 of gas (excluding VAT).

Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, said in a Government meeting that analysis indicated for premises of natural gas tariffs to be reduced by up to 20 per cent. He added Moldovagaz having a different opinion, but decision would be taken by ANRE. Interviewed by agency, expert of IDIS Viitorul, Victor Parlicov, said that gas price and exchange rate figures of Moldovagaz have suggested that a tariff reduction of 25 per cent should have been made. The calculations presented by supplier show that, at request of new tariff, Russian gas purchase price of $178 (MDL 3,155.88) for 1000 m3 by supplier for 2018 compared to cost included in current tariff of MDL 4,194 and currency exchange rate MDL 17.68 for $1. When setting the current tariff, it was taken into account rate MDL 21 for $1.

The recent change in gas tariff was made on 26 January 2016, when average tariff for ultimate users was approved at MDL 5,545 for 1000 m3, decreasing by MDL 677 or 10.9 per cent compared to tariff in force at that time. The current household tariff is MDL 5892 (excluding VAT) for 1000 m3, for consumption of up to 30 m3 and MDL 6138 for consumption over 30 m3.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor M. Jantovan)