Higher prices for fuel do not affect consumption

The increase in price of petrol and diesel oil did not diminish the consumption of fuel, say the representatives of “Importcontrol” Union, which provides a half of the domestic market’s fuel demand. According to them, the shock lasted only several days, afterwards the supplies went up. A week ago, one litre of petrol increased in price by almost MDL 1, and one of diesel oil – by MDL 0.3, the explanation being the increase in prices on the world market. Importers and fuel traders say that in the case of retail sale, the profitability is of only 0.5% and in the case of diesel oil is even lower. The expenses of the importers for the transportation of fuel would significantly reduce if petrol and diesel oil are brought in Moldova by sea, through the Giurgiulesti Terminal, the chairman of “Importcompetrol” Union Valentin Bodistean told a news conference on Wednesday, July 4. After the increase in prices, the Trade Unions and the Patronages of Moldova said they disagree with the increase in prices of petroleum products. The National Confederation of Trade Unions and the National Confederation of the Patronage signed a joint statement by means of which they express their “indignation and concern” about the recent increase in prices. The two institutions said these increases could make difficult the situation of farmers, who are at present harvesting grains. In retort, importers say that the increase in price of fuel should not increase the price of bread and grains because the price of the type of fuel used for farming remained unchanged. Last week, the price of one litre of A-95 petrol has increased by MDL 0.9 at the filling stations, being sold at the price of MDL 12.7. One litre of diesel oil is sold at present for MDL 10.6, being higher by MDL 0.3.