Average tariff for natural gas distribution set to drop 7.1% as of 1 July

 The weighted average tariff for natural gas distribution is set to drop 7.1% as of 1 July under the package of regulated tariffs for Romania's 27 licensed gas distribution operators, approved by the Regulatory Committee of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) on 16 June.According to an ANRE press release, based on the actual volumes of gas transported through distribution networks, the weighted average tariff has fallen from 58.47 lei/MWh to 54.32 lei/MWh, a decrease of 7.1%. As a result, the distribution component of gas bills will be lower for the vast majority of consumers in Romania during the second half of the year."For most Romanians, gas distribution costs less from 1 July. For the next tariff period, the weighted average tariff is falling by 7.1%. This is an important development, particularly at a time when energy costs remain a major concern for consumers and the wider economy. At the same time, it should be made clear that the distribution tariff is only one component of the final bill. The actual impact on each customer depends on the distribution operator, the customer's consumption category, the volume of gas consumed and the other components of the final price," ANRE President George Niculescu said, as quoted in the release.According to ANRE, the reduction in gas distribution tariffs is mainly driven by the country's largest operators, Distrigaz Sud Retele and Delgaz Grid, which together account for almost 90% of the total forecast distribution volume of 72.59 TWh and are both applying lower tariffs."The overall picture reflects a balanced outcome, with tariff increases for 14 operators and reductions for 13, depending on the individual operator. Four operators are applying cuts of at least 10%, while six operators are introducing increases of at least 5%. These differences reflect variations in cost structures, investment levels and the volumes handled by each network. The impact on individual consumers depends on their local distribution operator and their own consumption profile. The approved tariffs exclude VAT and are set separately for each distribution operator and customer category, based on cost structures, forecast volumes and operator-specific parameters," ANRE said.