Specifically, the state-owned company Energocom reported that on September 23 it submitted a request to the National Agency for Energy Regulation to adjust regulated prices for natural gas supplies to certain categories of end users. As noted in its statement, Energocom's request constitutes a rate proposal. The decision to approve, amend, or reject the proposal rests solely with the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NARE) after reviewing the supporting documents and all of the company's calculations. The request is due to changes in the cost of purchasing natural gas caused by external factors beyond the supplier's control. Since the previous request for a price adjustment was submitted (July 15, 2026), the cost of gas on the European market has risen by 42.15%. This trend was triggered by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a reduction in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, low inventory levels in European storage facilities, competition with Asian markets for available volumes, and uncertainty regarding supplies during the cold season. Specifically, when the currently applicable regulated prices for the period from August through December were approved, an average natural gas purchase price of 56.25 euros/MWh was used. Subsequently, TTF index prices on European natural gas markets rose significantly, exceeding 75 euros/MWh. Under these circumstances, the company is incurring negative tariff variances (purchasing gas at prices exceeding those embedded in the tariff) and, in accordance with the law, is required to request a tariff review from NARE. Based on available information and current market prices, Energocom forecasts that the TTF Front Month index (a contract for delivery next month) will reach approximately 76.6 euros/MWhh and will remain at a comparable level in November and December. According to the documents submitted to NARE, the proposed prices were calculated in strict accordance with the approved methodology and reflect both actual and projected costs for the regulated service. Specifically, taking into account the delivery points defined in the methodology, the proposed regulated prices (excluding VAT) are as follows: at entry points into the gas transmission network—18,744 lei/1,000 cubic meters; at exit points from the natural gas transmission network—19,331 lei/1,000 cubic meters; at exit points from the high-pressure distribution network—19,727 lei/1,000 cubic meters; at exit points from the medium-pressure distribution network—20,796 lei/1,000 cubic meters; at exit points from the low-pressure distribution networks—24,305 lei/1,000 cubic meters. Thus, if the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NARE) approves Energocom's proposal for new rates without changes, the natural gas rate for residential consumers in Moldova will increase by another 29.3% — from 18.79 to 24.31 lei per 1 cubic meter excluding VAT (from 20.3 to 26.25 lei including 8% VAT). Energocom stated that it continuously monitors trends in international natural gas markets and their impact on procurement costs. Should international prices decline and conditions arise that would allow for a tariff reduction, the company will submit a request to the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NARE) to revise regulated prices in accordance with the law and current methodology. As previously reported, the natural gas rate for residential consumers in Moldova was last increased on August 21 by 40.7%—from 13.35 to 18.79 lei per cubic meter, excluding VAT (from 14.42 to 20.3 lei, including 8% VAT). The new rate took effect on September 1. // 23.09.2026 — InfoMarket.