Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar suggests more efficiently implementing the market regulation instruments that are allowed in a free economy, including those defined by the norms of the World Trade Organization. In a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Lazar said that these norms allow introducing an export quota on basic necessities for a period if there is a shortage on the home market, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The sales of sugar have increased three times, mainly due to the illegal export of sugar by private individuals, especially to Ukraine,” Valeriu Lazar said. The minister admitted that they are unable to control the import and prices of the goods made in the country, particularly the agrifood products. As to the prices of oil products, Valeriu Lazar said the profitability of oil companies cannot exceed 10%. “The regional and global trends influence directly Moldova's oil market. The excises on oil products in Moldova increased, but are lower than in the countries from where these products are imported. The taxes put on companies in our country are lower so that it is not the case to ask for a new rise in the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel,” the minister stated. In the same meeting, Prime Minister Vlad Filat said the planned rise in the price of natural gas is inevitable, but it could be not so significant if Moldovagaz and other companies that supply energy resources reduced administrative costs. The Government will identify financial resources to pay compensations for gas to socially underprivileged groups following the higher charges, the Premier said. In the meeting, it was agreed that the relevant institutions will make an analysis of the prices in the areas for which they are responsible and will present proposals how to stop the abuses is such are identified on January 24.