MOSCOW, September 22 The Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation called the reason for the new indexation of gas and electricity tariffs the increase in costs of manufacturers and suppliers of for the general increase in prices in the economy, the ministry said.
Gas tariffs for industry will be indexed in Russia from December 1, 2023, and housing and communal services tariffs for the population — from July 1, 2024, for the first time in a year and a half, according to the forecast for the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation for the next three years. The forecast was prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development and was discussed at a government meeting on Friday.
«»The Ministry of Energy believes that the main reason for tariff indexation is the increase in costs of producers and suppliers associated with a general increase in prices in the economy (inflationary component), as well as in a specific area (for example, for energy resources for electricity production). Indexation is aimed at compensating for increasing costs of manufacturers and suppliers, including those associated with measures to modernize and increase the reliability of energy systems,” the ministry told reporters.
According to the Ministry of Energy, indexation of electricity tariffs will ensure further reliable and uninterrupted power supply to all consumer groups and save costs, including equipment repairs. And the indexation of gas tariffs means implementing a social gasification program in new constituent entities of the Russian Federation, where it is necessary to restore the gas infrastructure as a whole, and not just lay gas pipelines to the borders of land plots.
As the Federal Antimonopoly Service added, the indexation of gas tariffs on December 1, 2023 will not affect the population, as well as the electric power and heat supply industries.
“»The retail price of gas for the population consists of several components: the wholesale price of gas, its transportation and the fee for supply and distribution services (PSSU). The percentage change in the wholesale price of gas, which is indicated in the forecast, is only one of the components of the general tariff for the population. The final price for the population will be set by the regional tariff authority,» the FAS explained.