Romania's power market watchdog papers over new gas prices with operators

A decision regarding the gas prices increment slated for February 1 has not been made yet, talks between Romania's power market regulator ANRE and operators are still ongoing, people close to the issue said.

Talks could go on the next week too when a decision will be made public, the cited sources said. In December last year the two distributors Distrigaz Sud and E.ON Gaz Romania said gas prices should be hiked 10 percent.

Distrigaz Sud announced on January 22 a 6 percent increase for the first quarter. On December 17, 2007 E.ON Gaz said prices should go up 10 percent in January and 30 percent over 2008 to cover the consumption needs.

Sources from ANRE said the increment of the gas prices will be below 10 percent.

The European Commission called on Romania last week to align the price of natural gas from domestic production to the price in the European Union, as it had promised to within the EU accession negotiations.

NewsIn