Natural gas must be procured in stages, based on a monthly or quarterly schedule, and the procurement process must be constantly monitored by state institutions, believes energy analyst Sergiu Tofilat. In the context of discussions about increasing the gas tariff, the expert believes that such an approach would reduce the risk of gas being purchased late or at higher prices, reports IPN.

In a document sent to the National Agency for Energy Regulation and the Ministry of Energy, Sergiu Tofilat mentions that Moldova remains dependent on imports, and the evolution of prices on European exchanges is difficult to anticipate. He proposes that purchases be spread over several months, following the model used in the European Union for the formation of gas stocks.

Another proposal targets the gas purchased by transport and distribution operators for technological consumption. According to Tofilat, current procedures do not ensure sufficient competition and can generate higher costs, which are subsequently reflected in the tariffs paid by consumers. He recommends that these gases should only be procured through authorized trading platforms, with the participation of multiple bidders.

The analyst also supports the quarterly review of the regulated gas supply price, proposed by the Ministry of Energy. In his opinion, more frequent adjustments would limit the differences between actual costs and those included in the tariff. He believes that a similar mechanism could be applied to electricity and heat energy, while transport and distribution tariffs could be updated annually.

At the same time, Sergiu Tofilat proposes the organization of public hearings in the relevant parliamentary committee to discuss the problems in the energy sector and possible solutions.