The gas market liberalization for non-household customers from 1 January 2015 determined the gas suppliers to increase the price of gas by an average of about 1.42%, respectively about 2.2 lei per each MWh consumed. The free market can determine the right price for natural gas only if the client has the necessary knowledge, is good and properly informed and not under pressure from suppliers.
After analyzing the offers submitted by some of the suppliers of natural gas to non-household customers, with whom they had a contract for the supply of natural gas in the regulated segment until December 31, 2014, we can determine the behavior of these suppliers.
It is important to note that in November 2014, ANRE set the regulated prices for non-residential customers, actually the selling price for these gas suppliers. Keeping in mind that between December 2014 – January 2015 there were no significant changes in the cost structure of suppliers, gas price from 1 January 2015 for non-residential customers should have been less than or equal to the price of gas in December 2014 .
This is confirmed by the practice of some providers, who have offered lower prices, and by providers that under the pressure of negotiations with informed customers and assisted by consultants, contracted quantities at prices below the price practiced in December 2014. The table below highlights that most providers have offered an average price (B1, B2, B3, B4) higher than the regulated price of gas with which they sold gas until 31 December 2014.
The chart of average price increase for gas offered to non-household consumers from January 1, 2015
Only five suppliers, of the ones reviewed, agreed to support the liberalized market and to share some of their profits with customers. A fair price for gas cannot be achieved without basic knowledge for customers and/or without suitable advice. For gas market development and protection of clients, we have launched the campaign Fair Gas Prices:
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In this initiative also joined:
SC GECS SRL, Tel: 0729376189, email: [email protected]
SC Gas & Energy Expert SRL, Tel: 0723923923, email: [email protected]
We will offer free advice for non-residential customers in the next period.