The gas tariff for end-users in the fourth quarter of this year could be by about 10% lower, according to the preliminary calculations. At the same time, Moldovagaz will not ask to raise the price of natural gas supplied to end-users, said the company’s manager Vadim Ceban.

IPN quoted Vadim Ceban as saying that the tariff could be lowered owing to the decline in the purchase price of gas to US$100-115 per 1,000 cubic meters. This way, the tariff per 1,000 cubic meters in the fourth quarter of this year could be of 4,079 lei, down from the current tariff of 4,420. Currently, Moldova purchases gas at an average price of US$145 per 1,000 cubic meters.

The manager noted Moldovagaz extended the contract with Gazprom and the price formula remained the same. Now the sides are negotiating a new, more advantageous contract.

At the moment, the 12 distribution companies of Moldovatransgaz are being reorganized so as to create one company responsible for the supply of gas to end-users.