Romania To Deregulate Electricity, Natural Gas Markets By 2015

Authorities now have until September 2011 to establish a calendar for price liberalization, following the definition of consumers considered vulnerable, which need to be protected.

"On the energy segment, throughout 2011, the following measures will be taken: a calendar will be established until September, removing regulated prices on electricity and natural gas. The calendar will be implemented between 2013 and 2015. Furthermore, the Finance Ministry and the Labor Ministry will define vulnerable consumers, and will create mechanisms to protect these consumers, in the outlook of measures to be taken between 2013 and 2015," Boc said.

Romanian economy minister Ion Ariton said last week the IMF requested the opening of the natural gas and electricity markets, coupled with the presentation of a new calculation formula.

"We are asked to recheck prices. (…) Prices should be liberalized and we are to come up with a new calculation formula by the end of the year," Ariton said after talks with the IMF.

He added the liberalization of regulated prices does not necessarily entail price hikes for household consumers.

In 2010, energy regulator ANRE said it would order an impact study considering the scenario where prices are no longer regulated for electricity and natural gas.

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