The so-called supreme soviet of the Transnistrian region decided not to allow the ruble to depreciate, as it was forecast. However, local specialists note that the problem of lack of currency hasn’t been solved and is worsening, while the shortage of currency is growing and this leads to the intensification of the activity on the currency black market, IPN reports.
Olga Radulova, vice director of the central bank of Transnistria, was quoted by the news agency “Novostipmr” as saying that now the demand for currency totals about US$13 million. As the central bank will sell currency only once a week, the demand will expand until the next transactions.
Maia Parnas, a member of the central bank’s administration board, said that even if the central bank sells currency daily, the situation will not change and system measures are needed.
Meanwhile, Transnistrian specialists anticipate an augmentation on the black market in currencies. The local police already documented about 50 cases of illegal sale of currency. Another ten related cases were reported at currency exchange facilities, which refused to sell currency, even if they had such.
The shortage of currency in Transnistrian became more acute after Tiraspol signed a new contract for the supply of electricity to the right bank of the Nistru at a price that is by about 30% lower. The export of electrical energy is one of the main sources that ensure the demand for currency in the region.
