The possible rise in the tariffs of energy resources will lead to a substantial rise in consumer prices, economic expert Viorel Girbu said in the talk show “Place for dialogue” on the public station Radio Moldova, IPN reports.

The expert said the price rises are inevitable and stem from the depreciation of the national currency. “All the costs will increase and the depreciation of the leu will be the main argument invoked,” he stated.

Viorel Girbu identified three factors that led to the depreciation of the national currency and the expected wave of price rises, namely the reduction in exports following the bans imposed by Russia, the decrease in remittances, and the theft committed at Banca de Economii. “In 2014, we practically remained without the Russian market, where the largest part of the Moldovan products were sold. Owing to the depreciation of the Russian ruble, the volume of remittances sent by the Moldovans working in Russia diminished considerably. The theft at the BEM should also not be neglected as it seriously shook the financial-banking system,” he said.

The expert made pessimistic forecasts about the economic development. “The situation in economy will be very difficult, especially because the central bank increased the interest rate on the main loans,” stated Girbu.

Last week, the electric power supplier “Gaz Natural Fenosa” asked that the electricity charges should be raised by 50%/ Recently, the public utility “Moldova Gaz” requested raising the gas tariffs by 40%.