Moldova's Natural Gas Prices Skyrocket Amid Global Market Pressures

Moldovans will face an increase in natural gas prices starting today, September 1. The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) approved a tariff hike of almost 6 lei per cubic meter, bringing the price to 20.30 lei/m³, VAT included.

The decision was made after examining the request submitted by SA 'Energocom' and verifying their calculations and supporting documents. The supplier cited external factors and increased natural gas acquisition costs as reasons for the tariff adjustment.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that the authorities cannot fully cover the price increase for all households, but will direct financial support primarily to the most vulnerable families. He explained that applying a mechanism similar to last year's would require approximately 3.8 billion lei, which the state budget cannot currently cover.

The Prime Minister added that this time around, the Government aims to help only those who need it most, as they are unable to maintain the same proportion of beneficiaries as in previous years.