Gas tariffs for end users to stay unchanged so far

In the second quarter of this year, Moldova will import natural gas from Russia at $249.44 per 1,000 cubic meters. There are no planned price cuts for end users so far, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Moldova's deputy minister for economy and trade, Tudor Copaci, in quarters 3 and 4, the import price of the natural gas is expected to further shrink. At the same time, Moldovagaz reports losses of over $30 million. “Anyway, ANRE (energy regulator) considers the calculations produced by Moldovagaz and will re-consider the issue of the tariffs for the end users. But, maybe later in the first half of 2009,” the official said. In quarter 1 of 2009 the tariffs remained as in quarter 4 of 2008 – $284 per 1,000 cubic meters.