The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) will announce a decision on Moldovagaz's request for a rise in gas tariffs at a public meeting that will most likely take place on September 27, said ANRE director Victor Parlicov. Moldovagaz seeks an increase by 28.8% in the tariff, in connection with a estimated rise in the purchase price of gas from $367 to $400 per one thousand cubic meters in the fourth quarter. Victor Parlicov said he realized that the rise would affect many families, but the consumers' purchase power was not among ANRE's concerns. According to him, its function is to ensure that tariffs are established according to the approved methodology in a manner that excludes unjustified costs or expenses. Moldovagaz Board president Alexandr Gusev said that the utility initially proposed a rise by 21% that would remain effective until the first quarter of next year inclusive, when a 9% reduction in the purchase price of gas was expected. “The ANRE however didn't accept such a scheme, because the 5-year agreement on gas delivery between Moldova and Gazprom is to expire at the end of this year”, explained Gusev. He also said that a 21% increase effective only for the fourth quarter would be insufficient, causing losses of about 120 million lei to Moldovagaz.