Transnistria residents will pay more for public utilities

A new rise in the prices of public utilities is expected in the Transnistrian region in 2009 following the increase in the price of Russian natural gas. According to the economy ministry of Transnistria, Elena Cernenko, the gas supplied to the region will rise in price from $218 to $280 per 1,000 cubic meters as from January 1, 2009. Experts predict that the public utilities will increase in price by 30%. The heating charges will grow dearer by 23%, while the natural gas charges by 21%. The water and sewerage charges are expected to go up considerably. The residents of Camenca will pay the highest charges, by about 40% higher. The public transport fares will grow by 15% for interurban routes and by 12% for international routes. Inflation in 2009 is projected to hit 16%. The Transnistrian authorities intend to raise the salaries of the budget-paid employees by 25%.