OREANDA-NEWS  To curb electricity prices in the Far East, it is necessary to introduce a mechanism for subsidizing the delivery of coal and fuel oil to the region, since it is now too expensive. This proposal was made by the deputy head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) Vitaly Korolev, reports TASS.

According to him, since April 1, supplies of petroleum products, gasoline and diesel fuel have already been subsidized. The official stressed that the mechanism has demonstrated positive effects, but in any case it will be used only for supplies to the domestic market. He did not name the specific amount of the subsidy, the issue is still being worked out.

Earlier, the Institute of Problems of Natural Monopolies (IPEM) estimated that the cost of electricity for commercial consumers in the Far East has increased by one and a half times since the beginning of the year.

Tariffs in the region are regulated by the state, but RusHydro has complained for many years about large losses due to their low level. In 2022 alone, the company's losses exceeded 35 billion rubles. Against this background, the supplier has achieved the right to include in the new prices compensation for the losses associated with the increase in the cost of coal for thermal power plants. At the same time, the company points out that even this level does not allow the stations to break even.

Small and medium-sized businesses in the Far East were going to complain to the prosecutor's office to return the usual cost of energy. In turn, the "Community of Energy Consumers" pointed out that a sharp increase in tariffs could stop the implementation of energy-intensive projects and thereby hinder the development of the region's economy.