Following an audit at the company, the ministry established that CNH has delivered coal at prices ranging between RON185 and RON247 a ton in 2009-2011.
During the same interval, import coal prices ranged between RON289 and RON323 a ton, the ministry said.
“Under the European Council Regulation no 1407/2002 on state aid to the coal industry, Romania is not allowed to sell coal at prices lower than those for coal of a similar quality from third countries,” the statement noted.
CNH is Romania’s largest debtor, with overall arrears to the state budget worth over RON4 billion.
The company operates seven coalmines and employs 8,800 staff. Three of the seven mines will be closed over the next years, while the remaining mines will continue to operate after a planned reorganization. (EUR1=RON4.5262)