The Transnistrian administration decided not to raise the charges on public utilities given the difficult socioeconomic situation in the region. Thus, the tariffs that were to be raised in three staged – in January, May and September – were increased by 35% in January, while the next two stages were postponed, IPN reports.

The local press reported that the tariffs on electricity, heat and gas for socially deprived families were decreased by 7% from March 1.

Owing to the low incomes collected into the region’s budget, the salaries of budget-funded employees and the pensions were cut by 30%. Dissatisfied inhabitants of the region mounted a protest in Tiraspol on February 28 and another one in Rybnitsa on March 4.