OREANDA-NEWS. February 19, 2010. It provides allocation of 82 million leis to pay compensations in connection with the increase of tariffs for heat, electricity and natural gas. It is planned that compensations will be provided to about 260 thousand people, including 20 thousand families receiving social assistance from the state, over 115 thousand recipients of pensions and social benefits, as well as 67 thousand employees of the public sector receiving salaries less than 700 leis.

The Prime Minister noted that the Government intends to fully compensate difference in tariffs for electricity and gas for socially vulnerable categories and by 60% for the heat supply in Chisinau. However, taking into account the fact that remaining 40% is compensated by Chisinau City Hall, general compensation will make 100%.

The head of the government reminded that tariffs for heat in Balti did not increase. The premier said that money in form of compensation will be paid to the needy populations in January-March. After this, the Government intends to prepare a draft law that would regulate the process of providing social assistance and compensation from the state to the social-vulnerable populations and make the process more transparent. He stressed that the delay in this decision was due to finding sources of covering costs.

The Government was coordinating this issue with the development partners. Vladimir Filat noted that Moldova will receive their support. In particular, the European Commission is ready to allocate 1,4 million euros and USAID- about 3 million pounds. It is possible that the EC will increase the amount of aid up to 2.3 million euros.