Moldova Braces for Price Hikes Amid Energy Market Pressures

The Republic of Moldova is bracing for a tough winter due to energy market pressures from natural gas, thermal energy, electricity, and fuels. Energy expert Eugen Muravschi warns that geopolitical developments have become decisive factors in determining prices.

Muravschi notes that the price of gas affects the production costs of thermal and electrical energy, as these systems burn gas to produce heat and electricity. The proposed tariff hikes for thermal energy are 'too steep,' with over 82% increases requested by Termoelectrica for Chișinău and approximately 96% for the municipality of Bălți.

The expert believes that the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) will scale back these price increases. Muravschi emphasizes that gas reserves do not automatically mean lower prices, as they were also purchased from the market at high prices.