The government is considering additional measures of support for the population given that “Moldovagaz” is likely to ask for a new rise in the gas rate so as to be able to pay for the gas bought by Moldova from Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, stated in a news conference.

The official said that in December Moldova purchased gas for US$450 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, not US$550, as it was rumored. For January, the average market price of gas according to the same stock market indexes is US$1,359.

“I want to remind that in December we had European price hikes. There were days when the price of gas was US$2,800 per 1,000 cubic meters. These prices at European level influenced also the price for the Republic of Moldova. The purchase price of gas for the Republic of Moldovan in January will be US$646 per 1,000 cubic meters or 52% lower than the average stock market price,” stated the minister.

Andrei Spînu insisted that Moldova has a good contract for the supply of gas against the market prices. The authorities realize that the prices are high for many citizens and are considering possibilities of supporting the population depending on the evolution of prices at European level. The first ten days of January show the price decreased considerably. As a result, the purchase price of gas in February is expected to be lower.

In another development, the Deputy Prime Minister said that according to his information, “Moldovagaz” will make the payments for the gas consumed in December to Gazprom by the end of this week and is to also pay a part of the advance for January by this weekend.