Romania’s energy authority (ANRE) has decided to postpone the increase in gas prices for household consumers until November 1, ANRE president Niculae Havrilet said yesterday.

He explained that ANRE took this decision because the Parliament is expected to approve a bill that will bring some changes on the gas market, some that may significantly impact the gas prices, reports local Agerpres.

Gas producers will have to sell 70% of their production through the local power exchange OPCOM, which will become the only wholesale gas exchange, according to an emergency ordinance the Parliament needs to approve. The Government will increase this percentage every year, until it reaches 100%. This means that ultimately gas producers will trade all their production through OPCOM.

One week ago, ANRE deputy president Emil Calota said that the gas price for households would increase by 6% on average in the fourth quarter. The news that gas and electricity prices would increase starting October 1 angered Social Democratic leader Liviu Dragnea, who criticized the ANRE for its decisions.

Romanians need to pay more for fuel, electricity and gas

editor@romania-insider.com