Romanian Energy Watchdog To Keep Gas Prices Unchanged Jan 1

„We haven’t finished the analysis for the electricity prices, but we may change them based on part of the inflation. I could not say how will things go in the future,” Lificiu said.

Lificiu added these prices will be enforced at least until further analysis, namely April 1 as regards natural gas and July 1 for electricity.

End-October, caretaker Prime Minister Emil Boc said ANRE will not change household gas and electricity prices in 2010.

Lificiu told MEDIAFAX end-September that the authority plans to keep them at the current level until April 1 at least.

In July, ANRE cut by 5% the natural gas prices, after a previous 3% cut on May 1. The household electricity prices were kept unchanged in 2009.

According to Lificiu, the natural gas consumption is seen down 15% or 16% on the year in 2009, while the electricity consumption is seen down 8%.

The central bank forecasts a 2.6% inflation rate in 2010.