Gas tariffs to rise in Moldova

MOSCOW, Sep 23 — PRIME. The cost of gas for residential consumers in Moldova will rise from October, said Alexandru Rusu, a member of the National Energy Regulatory Agency.

According to the information, the regulator on Friday approved the tariff increase by 27.3 percent, up to $1,395 per thousand cubic meters. It is clarified that this cost is based on calculations provided by the Moldovagaz company.

“The cost of natural gas at exit points from low-pressure gas distribution networks for household consumers increased from 21,296 lei ($1,100 – ed.) to 27,103 lei ($1,395),” Rusu said.

The change will take effect October 1.

Earlier, the head of the Moldovagaz company, Vadim Cheban, asked ANRE to increase the gas tariff due to the accumulated tariff deviations, which reached $1,883 per thousand cubic meters.

Moldova is currently experiencing an energy crisis. In May, anti-government rallies swept the country. The protesters opposed the increase in gas and food prices, and were outraged by rising inflation and falling living standards.