Moldova will introduce an electronic tool that will allow gas consumers to compare prices and choose the supplier with the best terms
As announced by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), among other things, this is provided for in the amendments to the ANRE regulations on natural gas supply and the procedure for changing natural gas suppliers, which it has submitted for public consultations. There are also plans to introduce fixed-price gas supply contracts for a specific period of 12 months. As noted by ANRE, domestic consumers and the business community seek predictability and stability. A fixed price for a specific period provides these conditions and reduces the risk of exposure to market volatility. Consumers will be able to choose between signing a contract for the supply of natural gas at a dynamic price indexed to the exchange price, which changes daily, monthly, and quarterly, or at a fixed price for the entire year. Another important change will be the removal of the mandatory requirement for a gas meter with hourly recording if the consumer wishes to change suppliers. Thus, ANRE opens up the possibility of changing gas suppliers for absolutely all consumers. There are also plans to lift the ban on changing suppliers if the consumer has debts for natural gas consumed, provided that the consumer has concluded an agreement with the supplier on installment and phased payment of the debt. Thus, the energy regulator offers all consumers equal conditions for participation in the free market and at the same time ensures financial responsibility and discipline. Other amendments provide for the introduction of a transition mechanism from regulated prices to market prices for large and medium-sized consumers who will switch to the competitive market after the end of the cold season – April 1, 2026, for large consumers and April 1, 2027, for medium-sized consumers, respectively. On the relevant calendar dates, regulated price supply contracts for them will be terminated, and consumers will seek offers on the free market. Suppliers will also be required to indicate on the invoice the method of determining consumption – “metered” – in the case of meter readings by the distribution operator, or “estimated” – when the distribution operator estimates consumption based on historical data. The estimated calculation cannot be for a period of more than 3 months. The consumer is obliged to provide the operator with access to the measuring equipment. ANRE will also introduce an obligation for natural gas suppliers to have end-user service centers that are accessible to the public, properly organized, operating at least 8 hours a day/5 days a week, with a website providing up-to-date information on their activities and a 24-hour customer support call center. Natural gas supply offers will be presented in lei/sq. m and lei/kWh. This will be reflected in the invoice in the same way. ANRE will gradually transition from volume units to energy units, as natural gas comes from different sources and gases from different fields also have different calorific values. This will ensure fairness in terms of the energy value of the fuel. The changes were determined during consultations with natural gas market participants following meetings organized on the ANRE platform in the context of natural gas market liberalization. // 16.01.2026 — InfoMarket
