Gazprom raises gas price for Moldova to $253

Russian giant Gazprom has officially announced it sells Moldova natural gas at $253 per 1,000 cubic meters, as of July 1. If Gazprom thinks it will deliver better quality gas, the price will be $258 per 1,000 cubic meters, Info-Prim Neo reports. First deputy premier Igor Dodon told journalists on Wednesday the price would conduce to higher prices of natural gas and electricity for end users. The Energy Regulator (ANRE) is making the calculations in this regard. “ANRE may approve of a tariff to remain steady for the whole cold season coming. We cannot say how much it will be as yet. The energy-related tariffs are established by ANRE, which is an independent agency,” Dodon said. As soon as ANRE decides on the new charges, the Government will raise the compensations for 13 categories of socially vulnerable people. Igor Dodon says he has discussed with Gazprom the possible price from January 1, 2009. “Some EU analysts assess the gas could reach 400 euros per 1,000 cubic meters. According to our accord with Gazprom, the gas delivered to Moldova is computed applying a 0.75% coefficient to the European average price. This means a 25-30 % hike compared with the price announced for the third quarter by the Russian supplier. We have discussed with Gazprom the possibility of discussing the reduction of the coefficient,” the Economy and Trade Minister said. Igor Dodon says another subject broached with Gazprom is Moldova's historical arrears assessed at $120 million. “It's a chain of debts. Chisinau municipality does not pay its debts to Termocom, Termocom – to the Plants and the Plants to SA Moldovagaz. These relations are a difficult problem for Moldova's entire energy sector and must be brought to an end,” the first deputy prime-minister said.