Moldovan PM approaches fuel price increase

Chisinau, 26 May/MOLDPRES/- In connection with an increase in oil price by some operators on the oil products market, Prime Minister Pavel Filip demanded starting urgently a public debate on the matter, by involving companies in the field and civil society. The move's goal is to transparently clarify the validity of reasons invoked by oilmen, as well as the economic opportunity to increase the prices at present, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

In a letter sent to the leadership of the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), Filip asks the authority to make a string of clarifications concerning the enforcement of the legislation in force as regards the prices operated in this sector.

“In the context of amendment of the law No 461-XV from 30 July 2001 on oil products market, operated through the law No 223 from 3 December 2015, starting from 1 April 2016, ANRE was to set the ceiling prices for oil products based on a methodology of the formation and applying the prices for oil products. I would like to know how this ceiling has been established and how it will affect the fuel price. The data is vital for the government, taking into account that the fuel price is most often related to many other products, among which essential products for the residents,” the letter reads.

At the same time, the prime minister notes that he fully observes the Agency’s independence and understands the crucial importance that the institution regulates the oil products prices in line with the legislation in force. Namely for this reason, it is requested that the way the prices are formed in Moldova should be correct and transparent. This is the reason for which a serious public debate is recommended, with clear economic justifications and in collaboration with all relevant economic and social factors.

The prime minister notes he will remain consistent to the decision announced since taking over the leadership of the government to watch over the transparency of the way the prices are formed, as well as over the fairness of their formation. Filip believes that the citizens have right to find out to what extent the arguments invoked by the oil companies for the decided increase are justified or not, in order to clearly see whether some key decisions with impact on the daily life are opportune or not. 

Today, fuel supply stations increased the petrol price by 0.60 lei, and the diesel price by 1.10 lei.

(Editor A. Raileanu)