More drivers protest in Chisinau municipality against increase of fuel prices
16:05 | 06.06.2018 Category: Economic
Chisinau, 06 June /MOLDPRES/ – More drivers have protested today in front of Government against increase of fuel prices, operated by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) on 29 May.
The drivers involved into protest aligned their cars in front of Government headquarters, hailing and demanding that petrol and diesel be cheaper. According to participants in protest, "prices are exaggerated and generate cost increases in other vital sectors."
This is the second similar protest, first one being held on 02 June, even though on 31 May, ANRE ordered suspension of recent decision on increase of fuel prices. At suggestion of PM Pavel Filip, leadership of Agency suspended its own decision to raise fuel prices "until analysis of notifications received on it, including from Government and Parliament". Thus, since 01 June, it has returned to prices of previous period. But this did not calm spirits, and drivers organised a new protest.
On the other hand, Premier Pavel Filip said at Cabinet meeting on 05 June that "Government does not influence activity of independent institutions despite speculation in society", but referred that more clarity is needed in terms of setting petrol prices. "We want to talk about issue and make it clear when we talk about fuel prices and electricity," said Pavel Filip.
The Prime Minister stressed that legal framework and necessary methodology exist within field, but it is important to ensure greater transparency in their application. "The methodologies must be so clear that these calculations can be made by every citizen having access to respective figures at price of oil at exchange rate, so as not to leave a margin of interpretation", said PM.
On 29 May, ANRE established for 30 May – 12 June, retail price limit for most demanded petrol Premium – 95 at MDL 19.79 per litre and for diesel MDL 17.75, respectively with MDL 0,64 and MDL 0,66 per litre higher than previous ones. On 16 – 29 May, petrol and diesel increased by MDL 0,33 and MDL 0,30 respectively. The price rises are in situation when oil quotation on international exchanges is already more weeks over of $70 per barrel.
According to ANRE, during current week, "the submitted info will be analised" with maximum objectivity and contrasted with the ones underlying initial decision.
(Reporter L. Grubii, editor L. Alcaza)
