Moldova gas demand surges in december, relief provided to households
Natural gas consumption in Moldova skyrocketed in December, with figures outpacing both 2022 and November 2023.
Moldovagaz, the country's gas distributor, reported a 35.4% increase year-on-year and a staggering 65% jump compared to the previous month.
"The volume of consumption for December reached 137.8 million cubic metres," stated Moldovagaz, highlighting the significant demand surge. To alleviate the financial burden on households, the government's gas compensation scheme remained active, with over 460,000 families receiving support totaling 169.5 million lei.
"Additional support for 3,796 consumption points in residential associations amounted to 1.8 million lei, based on their assigned energy vulnerability category," clarified Moldovagaz. The program prioritises vulnerable households, offering the lowest gas rates (12 lei per cubic metre) to those categorised as "extremely vulnerable."
However, disconnections remain a reality for some. "334 units were disconnected due to non-payment of bills, amounting to approximately 1.4 million lei," Moldovagaz confirmed.
Looking ahead, citizens face continued high gas prices. While the first 180 cubic metres consumed monthly are covered by the compensation scheme, exceeding that limit incurs the full market price of 18.07 lei per cubic metre.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
