According to a decision by the National Energy Regulatory Agency, as of October 1, regulated prices for natural gas supplied at the outlets of low-pressure gas distribution networks increased from 18,798 to 24,202 lei per 1,000 cubic meters, excluding VAT. Consequently, for residential consumers, the rate increased by 28.8%—from 18.79 to 24.2 lei per 1 cubic meter, excluding VAT (from 20.3 to 26.14 lei including 8% VAT). At the same time, the tariff for natural gas supplied at the outlets of high-pressure gas distribution networks increased from 14,219 to 19,623 lei (+38%) per 1,000 cubic meters, and from medium-pressure gas distribution networks—from 15,289 to 20,691 lei (+35.5%), excluding VAT. At the entry and exit points to natural gas transmission networks, the price increased from 13,231 to 18,641 lei and, respectively, from 13,824 to 19,228 lei (+40.9% and, respectively, +39%), excluding VAT. As the regulator explained, the price revision was primarily due to an increase in the purchase cost of natural gas for October–December 2026, which rose from 12,150 to 17,050 lei per 1,000 cubic meters. It is worth noting that this is the third adjustment to natural gas rates for consumers in 2026. In early February of this year, rates were reduced—including for residential consumers—by 13.9%, from 15.5 to 13.35 lei per 1 cubic meter excluding VAT (from 16.74 to 14.42 lei including VAT). As of September 1, rates rose significantly, including for residential consumers by 40.7%—from 13.35 to 18.79 lei per cubic meter, excluding VAT (from 14.42 to 20.3 lei including 8% VAT). // 01.10.2026 — InfoMarket