Prime Minister Zinaida Grecianii has discussed with the Russian concern's deputy head, Valery Golubev, the prospects of collaboration with Gazprom.
Golubev participates in a meeting of the administration council of the MoldovaGaz stock company, during which an investment programme of Gazprom in Moldova is to be debated, according to the government's press service.
Valery Golubev, who is also head of the MoldovaGaz' administration council, said that Gazprom's investment programme takes into consideration more possible scenarios of the world economy's evolution, and especially of the price for gas. We should seek positive aspects in any situation, Golubev stressed. He admitted the possibility to decrease the gas delivery price for Moldova. "For us, it is important not only to get the maximum possible profit, but also the consumers' solvency, i.e. their well-being," the Russian official said.
Premier Zinaida Grecianii said that the existence of a long-term contract with Gazprom on gas delivery creates conditions of stability and predictability for the Moldovan economy, and this is the goal of the Moldovan government as well. At the same time, the prime minister evoked the possibility to extend the period of shift to the European medium prices for Moldova following 2011.
Zinaida Grecianii described as favourable the establishment of a tax of 2,970 lei for the connection of rural households to gas pipelines, as the sum is bearable for their budget. "At the same time, the local authorities managed to set the priorities of financing, so that they actively participate in the extension of the local infrastructure of gas pipelines," the prime minister said.
Gazprom's representatives expressed concern about the increase of Moldova's current debts for the consumption of gas, which are triggered mainly by Chisinau's thermal and energy sector, which cannot recover the costs at present.
At the same time, Valery Golubev tackled the issue of the Transnistrian region's debt for the import of gas. He voiced hope that the debt's burden will not jeopardise the company s activity, and that this problem will be settled in the near future. The subject is to be discussed within a visit to Tiraspol by the Gazprom official today afternoon, reported MOLDPRES.