The tariff for natural gas consumption cannot be reduced due to high purchase prices, explained Vadim Ceban, acting president of Moldovagaz, in a televised program, IPN reports.

“I see absolutely no basis for a reduction”, stated Vadim Ceban, who elaborated on the situation, citing rising prices in the stock market.

“Gas prices remain high, set for the entire year at $482 (8706 lei) per 1000 cubic meters. Stock market prices are rising and already exceed $530 per 1000 cubic meters, which will lead to tariff deviations at Moldovagaz, estimated to reach 450-500 million lei by the end of this year”, warned Vadim Ceban.

Under these circumstances, the gas supplier does not intend to request a rate increase from the national regulator before January 1, 2025, assured the acting head of Moldovagaz.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Victor Parlicov stated last week that, depending on market trends, a tariff reduction could be possible at the beginning of next year.

Currently, household consumers pay 13,12 lei per cubic meter of gas. The tariff was last adjusted in May of this year.