
Andrei Spinu: Until a contract is signed with Moldovagaz for a longer period, tariffs for consumers in Moldova will not change.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development said this at a press conference on Friday. He said that on the eve, the current contract between Moldovagaz and Gazprom on the terms of supply of natural gas to Moldova was extended by 1 month - until the end of October. The contract has been extended on the same terms as Moldova received gas in September, which will guarantee gas supplies to all consumers in the country for a month. Spinu explained that Moldova purchases gas with reference to the average monthly gas price on the German NCG stock exchange. Thus, in September Moldova bought gas at $550 per 1,000 cubic meters (average price in August), and in October the price of gas will be $790 per 1,000 cubic meters (average price in September). According to the Deputy Prime Minister, until the discussions with Gazprom are over and a contract is signed for a longer period, gas tariffs for individuals and legal entities will not change. Spinu noted that the possibility of covering the costs associated with the increase in the purchase price of gas for Moldova is currently being studied. At the same time, the government is developing measures to support the most vulnerable low-income citizens. Andrei Spinu noted that the current situation on the international natural gas market is unprecedented and has no economic justification, and Moldova, like many other European countries, is in the midst of an abnormal rise in gas prices. He stressed that discussions with Gazprom regarding the extension of the contract or the conclusion of a new contract are continuing. The government is in favor of returning to the previous formula for calculating the purchase price, which, according to Spinu, is more beneficial for Moldova’s consumers. Negotiations with Gazprom will continue, including next week at the International Gas Forum in St. Petersburg, which the Moldovan delegation will also attend. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the priority task now is to overcome the emergency and ensure gas supplies at an affordable price.// 01.10.2021 - InfoMarket