Energy export Sergiu Tofilat, ex-presidential adviser, said the unprecedented rises in fuel prices witnessed in the recent past are based on political protection, while the Competition Council acts in collusion with oil sellers. For his part, Deputy Parliament Speaker Alexandru Slusari said a report by the Competition Council that was kept secret confirms the fact that oil sellers act concertedly.

“The problem resides not only in the fact that oil sellers reach agreements between them, but also in the fact that they act in collusion with the Competition Council and enjoy political protection. In February 2020, Dodon met with three of the main oil sellers. In the meeting of the parliamentary commission, oil sellers admitted that they agreed not to change the prices until the presidential elections. It is a serious violation. The Penal Code envisions liability in the case of cartel agreements,” Sergiu Tofilat stated in the talk show “Secrets of the Power” on JurnalTV channel.

Alexandru Slusari in the same program said the head of the Competition Council Marcel Răducan presented a report on the recent activity of oil sellers to the parliamentary commission on economist, budget and finance. The report was kept secret, but this confirms that oil sellers act concertedly and increase fuel prices unjustifiably.

“The Competition Council is to approve the imposition of fines of 100 million lei on the six companies that act concertedly. If the Competition Council the next few days does not approve the decision on the fining of these companies, I will publish the report,” said Alexandru Slusari.

The price of gasoline in Moldova was raised by 5.05 lei or 33% during the past six months. A liter of gasoline “A95” now costs 20.40 lei – 20.45 lei.