Several people protested outside the headquarters of Moldova’s National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) to voice their opposition to the proposed increase in natural gas tariffs. State-owned energy supplier Energocom has asked ANRE to approve a new tariff of 20.93 lei per cubic meter, an increase of 6.52 lei from the current price.
Protesters argued that the higher prices are unjustified, saying that salaries and pensions are too low to cover increasingly expensive utility bills.
“The gas tariff is higher than some people’s pensions,” one protester said. Others claimed that utility bills already account for more than 40% of their household income.
The demonstrators called on the authorities to find practical solutions and take into account the financial realities faced by ordinary citizens. Some demanded compensation for vulnerable households, while others called for the resignation of those responsible for the proposed tariff increase.
“They should think about the people, about their own citizens,” one participant said.