Fuel sellers will independently set and modify the retail prices of the main fuel products and liquefied petroleum gas, depending on consumption and sale costs, in accordance with the applied accounting standards, with an anual markup of an most 10%. This is provided in the new fuel pricing methodology that was approved by the National Agency for Energy Regulatory (ANRE) on March 11, IPN reports.
According to the ANRE, the methodology was worked out taking into account a number of principles, including covering of the real cost of fuel products and liquefied petroleum gas, customs duties, transportation, storage and sale costs and environmental protection costs. The price will include a markup needed for enabling companies to work, developing fair competition and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of consumers.
The new methodology will take effect after it is published in the Official Gazette. The operators are to notify the ANRE when they modify fuel prices.
Energy expert Sergiu Tofilat stated earlier for IPN that the new rules would in fact mark a return to an old methodology, indicating an agreement with the fuel sellers. In Tofilat’s opinion, the consumers’ interest would be best served through the creation of a competitive market overseen by an effective competition watchdog, seconded by an independent judiciary.
