Moldova plans energy compensations for vulnerable citizens

The Moldovan government is planning social support measures to assist vulnerable citizens during the upcoming cold season. Finance Minister Victoria Belous stated that the government intends to allocate funds to compensate for energy, wood, and gas costs.

One report indicates an allocation of 550 million lei for these purposes. However, the Minister noted that the total budget for the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund typically varies between 1 billion and 3 billion lei. The final amount and the specific categories of citizens eligible for aid will depend on criteria being developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

Minister Belous emphasized that any additional spending on these compensations will directly impact the national budget deficit. Regarding energy tariffs, Prime Minister Tofan suggested that consumer prices might not increase before the end of the year if the market stabilizes, though final decisions rest with the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE).