Moldova reacts to Russian Gazprom's decision to cut off gas supplies
Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean (photo: facebook.com/recean_md)
Moldova has reacted to the decision of Russian Gazprom to cut off gas supplies. The country has already calculated how long the previously purchased reserves will last, according to Newsmaker and Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean.
Moldovagaz interim CEO Vadim Ceban said that the company had “taken note” of Gazprom's decision.
He noted that since December 2022, all gas supplied from Russia has been transferred to the Transnistrian region.
“At the same time, natural gas for consumers on the right bank of the Dniester was purchased on regional and European markets. It should be emphasized that Moldovagaz has contracted the necessary volumes of gas that will fully cover all consumption on the Right Bank by the end of March 2025,” Ceban said.
What the prime minister said about Gazprom's decision
Recean said that today Gazprom informed its subsidiary Moldovagaz that it would not supply natural gas from January 1, 2025, citing the pretext that Moldovagaz allegedly does not fulfill its payment obligations.
“This decision once again confirms the Kremlin's intention to leave the residents of the Transnistrian region without light and heat in the middle of winter. Russia is using energy as a political weapon, turning the population of the Transnistrian region, which it controls through its illegally deployed army, into hostages,” the Moldovan prime minister said.
According to him, his government condemns such repressive tactics of Russia. He also emphasized that Moldova does not recognize any “debt” that has been declared invalid by an international audit.
“Moldova has diversified its gas supply sources to reduce dependence on a single supplier for the right bank. Our country is ready to cope with any situation that may arise as a result of the Kremlin's decision. We will continue to ensure gas supplies from other sources and protect vulnerable consumers,” Recean emphasized.
He noted that the government will carefully analyze legal options, including recourse to international arbitration, to protect Moldova's national interests and seek compensation for the Kremlin's decisions that cause economic damage and affect the security of Moldovan citizens.
Gazprom will stop supplying gas to Moldova
Earlier today, Gazprom announced that it would stop supplying gas to Moldova as of January 1.
This did not come as a surprise to Moldova, as the country had been considering the possibility of such a step by Russia for some time. In particular, recently, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that her country may not receive Russian gas from the new year.
Read more about the possibility of an energy crisis in Moldova and why Russia is interested in it in an article by RBC-Ukraine.
Yesterday, Moldova adopted measures to reduce electricity consumption. These measures will be used during peak hours.
