Moldova has about 100 million cubic meters of natural gas purchased at high prices in stock, said the acting director general of Energocom Vadim Bînzari. He explained that the authorities bought large amounts of gas that were later stored as last winter was expected to be harsh. The official noted that the gas purchased at exorbitant prices will be supplied gradually to the citizens for consumption for these not to feel the exaggerated burden of bills, IPN reports.

According to the official, as the natural gas prices on the international market decreased, Moldova will buy gas for the cold period of the year.

“The prices follow a downward trend and are now small. Energocom gets ready for the cold period by purchasing gas for being stored. We now have about 100 million cubic meters of gas in stock. In December, we consume about 170 million cubic meters of gas and we therefore have gas for half of December. Forecasts show the price of gas in December will be about US$500-600 together with the transportation costs,” Vadim Bînzari stated in the program “Refection Points” on Vocea Basarabiei channel.

According to him, gas remained in stock also because the citizens economized due to the high charges.

“They said the winter would be harsh, difficult and the Government designed an action plan and Energocom was to purchase amounts of natural gas. Termoelectrica was to switch over to crude oil, but owing to the logistical problems in the shipment of crude oil, the date was put off for several times. For the worst scenario, Energocom bought about 600 million cubic meters of gas. Meanwhile, the logistical problem was solved and crude oil started to be supplied. In January, the temperatures varied around 15°C, which was abnormal for that period. Furthermore, owing to the high charges, a large part of the citizens reduced consumption when they were urged by the Government to do so. But we were prepared for the worst scenario,” explained the head of Energocom.

Vadim Bînzari assured that the 100 million cubic meters of gas bought at huge prices, which remained in stock, will not significantly influence citizens’ gas bills. This amount will be supplied gradually to the citizens so that they do not feel the price of US$900-1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas.

Recently, the National Agency for Energy Regulation set a charge of 16.73 lei per cubic meter of gas. With VAT of 8%, the gas rate for household users is 18.06 lei. Until now the charge was 29.27 lei per cubic meter of gas.