Not only the citizens will be affected if the electric power and natural gas charges are raised, but also the industry, especially the processing one. Economic expert Viorel Chiviriga has told IPN there is a risk that the industrialists will not be able to cope with additional pressure.

According to Viorel Chivriga, the rise in the electricity and gas tariffs will inevitably lead to an increase in the production costs of a number of goods as the largest part of these costs go on energy resources. “In production sectors or units with modern technology, these costs are lower and the prices here will not increase much. But where the equipment is older and the wear degree is higher, the consumption of energy resources is greater and the prices will rise significantly,” said the expert.

He also said that the situation in the agricultural sector is specific. The farmers were seriously affected by Russia’s bans and the rise in the tariffs of energy resources will create an almost fatal pressure for them this year.

Speaking about the possible reaction of the population to the possible charge rises, Viorel Chivriga said the people always react depressingly when the prices soar. As regards suppliers’ requests to increase charges, he said nobody can say exactly how justified they are and the authorities should analyze very well the distribution prices and how these are set for end-users.

Two weeks ago, Red Union Fenosa and Gas Natural Fenosa Furnizare Energie asked the national energy regulator ANRE to consider increasing the electricity charges by over 50%. Afterward, SA “Red Nord”, SA “Red Nord-Vest” and SA „Moldovagaz also requested raising the power and gas charges by 50%, 61% and 48% respectively.