Working group to examine issue of fuel quality, prices in Moldova

Chisinau, 07 June /MOLDPRES/ – A working group will examine all proposals from citizens and authorities on fuel quality and prices. An agreement in this regard was reached today, at discussions on platform of Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI) between representatives of National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) and Agency for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance (APCSP) and a representative group of protesters.

The proposal to organise a working group of representatives of ANRE, APCSP, experts, as well as persons delegated by citizens dissatisfied with fuel price increase and quality was launched by Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Chiril Gaburici.

"I propose to initiate a working group to analise all initiatives of fuel price and quality. The MEI will analise domain legislation and, if necessary, come forward with proposals to Parliament to amend it," said Chiril Gaburici.

The representatives of ANRE explained that fuel prices are set according to methodology based on oil barrel quotation on international exchanges, exchange rates, VAT, excise duties and specific trade margins. It was agreed representatives appointed by protesters would make their own calculations based on te data provided by ANRE and come up with concrete proposals to modify the Fuel Pricing Methodology.

The Minister of Economy informed protesters that on 05 June the Government approved amendments to Oil Products Law, which stipulate establishment of a fuel quality monitoring system in Moldova in accordance with Directive 98/70/EC of European Parliament and Council on quality of petrol and diesel. Also, by the end of August, there will be approved amendments to several regulations related to transportation, storage and marketing of petroleum products.

Chiril Gaburici also urged citizens to report to responsible institutions when they detect irregularities. "One of ministry's priorities is to increase our competitiveness on oil market, because citizens will have access to quality products and services at filling stations," said Minister of Economy.

More people protested against fuel prices on Sunday and Wednesday, after ANRE canceled its decision on 29 May, when it raised retail price limit to most demanded petrol Premium – 95 by MDL 0,64 up to MDL 19.79 for a litre, and diesel by MDL 0,66, to MDL 17.75. On 16 – 29 May, petrol and diesel increased by MDL 0,33 and MDL 0,30 respectively.

The government came on Wednesday with clarification, to appeal of a group of citizens on fuel prices, stating that "it has no attributions to formation of petrol and diesel prices, being prerogative of ANRE." The Executive also stated that methodology for fuel price formation is a public one. Also, PM Pavel Filip asked competent authorities for more transparency and clarity on it, "so that there will be no margin of interpretation, and every citizen will have access to calculation methodology."

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor M. Jantovan)