Several people protested on Friday, in front of the National Agency for Energy Regulation, against the increase in the price of natural gas. The demonstrators demanded explanations about how the tariff is calculated and requested the publication of information regarding the purchase of gas and the contracts concluded by the supplier, reports IPN.
The protest began while ANRE was reviewing and approving the new natural gas tariff. The agency set a price of 20.30 lei per cubic meter, including VAT, compared to 14.42 lei currently. The new tariff will come into effect on September 1.
Among the protesters was also the former PAS deputy Olesea Stamate, who requested the publication of information regarding the price at which gas is purchased, its origin, and the associated transportation costs. She criticized the fact that the new tariff is set for the upcoming period, even though market prices can change. Moreover, she suggested that the tariff should be reassessed more frequently, depending on the evolution of costs.
The protest was also attended by the leader of the “Democratia Acasa” Party, Deputy Vasile Costiuc. He accused the government of buying gas at higher prices than those available on the market and pointed out that the increase will affect households and economic agents.
And the president of the Moldovan National Party, Dragos Galbur, also took part in the protest action. He spoke out against the gas price increase. He criticized the 41% tariff increase, arguing that this will lead to higher bills for the population.
According to ANRE, the tariff increase is primarily determined by the rising cost of natural gas procurement and conditions on European markets. The agency asserts that the calculations and documents presented by Energocom were verified when setting the new price.
