The energy supplier’s representative indicated that market conditions in 2008 are unfavorable, as prices for raw materials for the production of energy are increasing, and due to the international financial crisis. “The international crisis followed a period in which the price of all raw materials which we require – coal, oil, gas – was subject to a upward trend. We now find ourselves in a situation in which the price of coal and gas must reach a high,” (Ed. n. based on the oil quotation curb) said Cutisteanu. Furthermore, the price of electricity on the spot market has increased 8-10 percent on average for the fourth quarter. “At first glance, things are even more dramatic for Q1 2009, with the price reaching some RON 200/MWh,” he added. Cutisteanu indicated that if energy producers, almost all of which are state-owned, hike prices so much, fees paid by consumers will be some 15 percent higher in 2009 than in 2008, at least in the first half of the year. “The question that arises is how many of today’s consumers can afford to pay this price,” said Petprod’s official.
“The main problem will be Electrica,” which is due to be turned into a large national energy company, with over 50 percent of production and three electricity distributors.
