In response to publicly available information regarding an alleged increase in the cost of natural gas distribution services as a result of market liberalization, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) stated that this claim is incorrect and could mislead consumers. ANRE emphasized that the liberalization of the natural gas market does not lead to an increase in the cost of distribution services. Tariffs for distribution services are regulated by ANRE and apply equally to all natural gas suppliers, regardless of whether they supply gas under a public service obligation at regulated prices or on the competitive market, or at contract prices. A consumer’s switch of suppliers—specifically, the transition from a supplier with regulated prices to one operating in the free market—does not entail additional costs for the distribution system operator and does not affect the cost of distribution services. The energy regulator noted that it is important to distinguish between the cost of distribution services and other components of the final tariff. The transition of some large consumers to the competitive market had a limited impact on the fixed costs of the supplier providing public services, estimated at approximately 17 bani per cubic meter. This figure does not reflect an increase in the cost of distribution services, but rather a redistribution of fixed costs across a smaller volume of gas supplied as part of public utilities. ANRE strongly urges market participants and those making public statements to use accurate information and distinguish between tariff components to avoid misinterpretation and misinformation among consumers. // 24.07.2026 — InfoMarket.