Energocom faces board resignation and gas tariff hike controversy in Moldova

Board member Alexandr Slusari resigned from the administration of state-owned SA Energocom, citing a lack of transparency after the company submitted a request to the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) to raise natural‑gas tariffs. The proposal seeks to increase the price for low‑pressure network consumers from 14.42 lei to about 20.93 lei per cubic metre.

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu defended the increase, arguing that adjusting tariffs in summer, when household consumption is low, avoids larger bill shocks in winter and reflects volatile international gas markets. Interim director Eugeniu Buzatu linked the surge in gas prices to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a recent U.S. announcement of a new military operation, which he said caused spot‑market prices to jump sharply.

Chișinău mayor Ion Ceban publicly criticised the move, warning that the higher tariffs will significantly affect every citizen and urging the withdrawal of Energocom’s request. The dispute highlights tensions between the company, regulators, and political leaders over energy affordability in Moldova.