Moldova’s state-owned gas supplier Energocom is defending a proposed 45% increase in natural gas tariffs, citing rising wholesale costs linked to Middle East conflicts.
The utility seeks to raise the price from 14.42 lei to 20.93 lei per cubic meter, a move that has sparked political debate and internal dissent within the company.
This assessment comes as European gas prices have climbed significantly, with the average price in the region rising 11% year-on-year in the first half of 2026 to reach $515 per 1,000 cubic meters.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that the war in the Middle East is the primary driver behind Energocom’s request for higher rates.
The minister’s comments align with the utility’s justification that current market conditions necessitate the adjustment to reflect true supply costs.
An industry expert, Eugen Muravschi, supported the proposed pricing structure, describing Energocom’s forecasted cost of 623 euros per megawatt-hour as realistic.
This assessment comes as European gas prices have climbed significantly, with the average price in the region rising 11% year-on-year in the first half of 2026 to reach $515 per 1,000 cubic meters.