Carriers cite rising costs and tariff uncertainty
Passenger transport services in Moldova are facing significant disruptions, with carriers suspending routes across the country.
The Employers’ Association of Road Transport Operators (APOTA) said that up to 80% of routes could be affected. According to the association, transport companies are no longer able to cover rising operating costs amid tariff uncertainty and a lack of regulatory adjustments.
APOTA stated that, in the absence of other solutions, operators have resorted to protest actions, arguing that previous attempts to reach an agreement with the authorities have been exhausted.
Dispute over tariffs and institutional response
The association identified the lack of updated and economically justified tariff calculations for regular district and inter-district routes as the main issue. Responsibility for this process lies with the National Road Transport Agency (ANTA) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR).
Carriers say current tariffs no longer cover expenses, particularly in light of rising diesel prices. They warn that if authorities continue to delay revisions, some regions may lose transport connections entirely, and certain routes may not resume operations.
“In light of the difficulties we are facing and the continued increase in diesel fuel prices, we are compelled to express our dissatisfaction through protest actions,” the association said in a statement.
Broader context and potential impact
The situation has developed against a backdrop of increasing fuel prices and broader pressures on the transport sector. Industry representatives say that higher energy costs have significantly affected operating conditions.
Recent developments in global energy markets, including tensions affecting supply routes, have also contributed to price volatility. This has had knock-on effects for transport costs.
Authorities have attributed price increases to instability in energy markets. At the same time, representatives of ANTA and MIDR have not publicly commented in detail on the carriers’ demands.
The disruptions are expected to have a direct impact on passengers, particularly in rural areas where alternative transport options may be limited.
