All settlements in Moldova to be supplied with natural gas until 2009 – PM

The pace of constructing natural gas supply networks should be intensified, so that all the settlements have access to natural gas until 2009, the PM Vasile Tarlev stated at a working session. According to a press release from the Government, the PM asked to adjust the schedule of the Programme on the supply of natural gas to the present state of affairs. At the same time, the PM asked to financially plan the Programme for a period of 3 years. The head of the Executive asked to organise national auctions to select companies with high potential in the designing field in what concerns the natural gas networks. The winners will present the detailed plans on the implementation of the contracted works. They must cope with the requirements and terms stipulated in the contracts. According to the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure, 166 settlements were provided with natural gas in 2006. The cost of the pipelines amounted to MDL 190 mln. The works related to the high pressure branch pipe Tocuz-Mereni continue at present. The Ministry told that the first construction stage of the pipeline was finished according to the schedule and the second stage is to start in the near future. About 16.5 km of high pressure pipelines and 9 km of middle pressure pipelines were already constructed. Also, works on connecting to the network Tocuz, Ucrainca and Cainari villagesare being performed. There will be constructed 50 km of high pressure pipelines at the next stage. The construction of the pipelines will allow connecting to the natural gas supply network several villages in Causeni, Anenii-Noi and Ialoveni raions. Starting January 1, Moldova imports natural gas from Russia at a price of USD 170 for 1000 cubic metres compared with USD 160 until now. The new tariffs might be applied starting February and will increase gradually by 10-12% so that in 2011 they will reach the average European level of USD 250 per 1000 cubic metres.