Moldovagaz will continue its cooperation with MET Group on gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region in March. The announcement was made by the acting head of the company, Vadim Ceban, who noted that the previous deliveries have been fully carried out in accordance with the contractual provisions, IPN reports.
The head of the Tiraspol administration, Vadim Krasnoselski, noted that the citizens of the region will continue to receive gas and thanked the Russian Federation for its support.
On the other side, the Chisinau authorities say the constitutional authorities do not support this solution. "The solution that is currently being implemented for the delivery of natural gas to the left bank of the Dniester is not one that is supported, backed, agreed by the Chisinau government. It is a solution that does not admit a humanitarian catastrophe on the left bank of the Dniester", explained Daniel Voda, government spokesman.
Since February 14, MET Gas and Energy Marketing AG has been supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region up to the border with Moldova. From there, Moldovagaz supplies gas to the left bank, up to 3 million cubic meters per day. Transit costs are paid by Tiraspoltransgaz in advance.
The solution was found after the left bank of the Dniester turned down the European Union's offer of €60 million to overcome the energy crisis. Tiraspol leader Vadim Krasnoselski announced that the Transnistrian region would pay for the gas from a Russian loan.
In the meantime, utility tariffs in the Transnistrian region will rise from March 1. Consumers will have to pay more for natural gas, electricity, heating and water. According to the proposed tariffs, Transnistrians will pay 1.7 rubles for a cubic meter of natural gas, up from 0.81 rubles at present. For electricity a tariff of 1.39 rubles per kWh is proposed, compared to 0.87 rubles, and for thermal energy a tariff of 730.42 rubles /Gcal, compared to 402 rubles. The tariff for a cubic meter of water will be 9.75 roubles, compared to 7.77 roubles at present (1 Moldovan leu equals 0.86 roubles).
