The National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) last week approved an average increase of 19% in the regulated tariffs for the distribution of natural gas, which means about RON 10 /MWh distributed.The increase applies from July 1.The change in tariffs is determined by three main factors: the increase in the costs of the natural gas distribution adjusted for a forecast inflation for 2024 of 4.6%, the increase in capital costs following the achievement in 2023 of a record investment volume, both in connections to new users and in extensions of distribution systems in the concessioned areas, as well as an 8% reduction in the amount of natural gas transmitted in 2023.Under Energy and Natural Gas Law 123/2012 and ANRE Order 217/2018 approving a methodology for establishing the regulated tariffs for the distribution service in the natural gas sector, ANRE approves the regulated tariffs for the natural gas distribution service and sets the regulated tariffs for the provision of natural gas distribution services, differentiated, for each distribution operator.The tariffs include, but are not limited to, costs generated by the modernisation and development of distribution capacities through the extension of networks or by the creation of new systems/networks, as well as costs generated by the connection of new applicants to household customers, self-employed individuals, individual enterprises, family businesses and public institutions, only if such costs are justified.