OREANDA-NEWS. October 29, 2012. This was stated by the National Energy Regulatory Energy, which noted that the Supreme Judicial Court had dismissed the case Moldovagaz initiated to change the gas rates calculation methodology.

The judgment delivered by the Supreme Judicial Chamber is final and without appeal. Moldovagaz’s lawyer states the Company is going to dispute the verdict in the European Court of Human Rights. The supplier of gas went to court to be given opportunity to compensate gas transit losses by raising the transportation rate for final consumers. By Moldovagaz’ estimates, the rate has to be raised 11 times from 24.19 leis to 266.35 leis per 1000 c.m.

The rate for transportation of natural gas through the territory of Moldova was approved by the National Energy Regulatory Agency, which thinks the rate has to be further applied regardless deliveries purposes. The Agency thinks the gas transit losses can not be included into the methodology of calculation and are matters of contractual relationship between Moldovagaz and Gazprom. If the gas transit rate does not cover all costs it has to be revised by both parties. At present, gas transportation through the territory of Moldova to other countries takes close to 18 leis per 1 thou. c.m. for Gazprom, ANRE states.

Moldovagaz thought it advisable for Gazprom’s representatives to take part in the hearing in the Supreme Judicial Court in order to “explain the method of calculation of the natural gas rate on the territory of Moldova from the economic point of view”. ANRE considered this proposal groundless since Gazprom is the party concerned and wants to gain as much profit as possible at minimal charges.

The Supreme Court dismissed the request by Moldovagaz about Gazrpom’s participating in the hearing and noted that ANRE is the only body authorized to calculate, approve and apply gas rates. ANRE states the suit by Moldovagaz could do harm to consumers because they have not cover losses of the Russian gas transit through the territory of Moldova. The Chisinau Appelate Court dismissed action by Moldovagaz and Moldovatransgaz against ANRE as goundless on June, 6, 2012.