The Moldovan authorities explained the accelerated increase in gas prices during the state of emergency

The Moldovan authorities used the state of emergency to accelerate gas price increases. The method for quickly increasing tariffs was revealed by the agency’s general director, Alexey Taran, as quoted by RIA Novosti.

On Monday, the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) of Moldova increased the gas tariff for consumers by 28.8 percent, to 26.14 lei ($1.48 - approx.) per cubic meter. The regulator of the post-Soviet country made the corresponding decision after the introduction of a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector. Supporters and representatives of the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary opposition opposed the increase in tariffs and accused the authorities of shifting the crisis onto citizens.

“The legislation establishes: in emergency situations, prices can be approved with a shorter time frame. We published the project, gave three days for discussion, but narrowed the time frame. For what? So that Energocom, as a supplier, can reduce the cash gap, purchase gas in advance and not go bankrupt on the eve of winter,” Taran explained.

The Parliament of Moldova introduced a state of emergency (state of emergency) in the energy sector for a period of 60 days on September 22. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Vasily Tofan announced that the government, in order to save money, would begin laying off officials and merging departments, planning to cut 10-30 percent of staff.