The following actions were approved:
- Adaptation of pricing and sales mechanisms to protect diesel consumers.
Under the state of emergency, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) will use a calculation methodology based on the average of international exchange rate quotes for 7 days instead of 14. This will ensure greater price stability at gas stations.
Thus, when prices on international stock exchanges start to fall, Moldova will return more quickly to affordable prices for citizens. In addition, in order not to leave citizens without fuel, the Cabinet of Ministers allowed gas stations to sell other types of diesel fuel at the price of standard diesel fuel in case of its temporary absence at the filling station. That is, if the station proves the absence of standard diesel fuel and is forced to sell more expensive diesel fuel, it will be obliged to do so at the price of standard diesel fuel.
- ANRE will require all importers of petroleum products to submit a realistic 5-day purchase plan and will ask importers not to import less fuel in April than they imported in March. This measure will help replenish fuel stocks.
- The working procedures of public order and public security sector personnel will not be affected by the state of emergency in the energy sector. Normally, under a state of emergency, this type of personnel, for example, would not be eligible to apply for dismissal or retirement. These rights will not be restricted because the situation is different in this crisis.
- Another measure has been introduced to take into account the fact that some of the country’s largest gas stations operated by Lukoil-Moldova Ltd. are currently closed. Thus, in order to ensure that citizens have access to fuel where it is more convenient for them, it was approved that solely for the purchase of petroleum products on the local market and their sale in the national network of stations, the operator Lukoil can only use available sources to replenish its stocks, especially diesel fuel, at all stations owned by it.
“The above measures do not reflect a worsening of the situation, but, on the contrary, represent a responsible and controlled adaptation of government intervention, as we have a clearer picture of developments and needs on the ground,” the government press service clarifies.
