Russia plans to buy gas for Transnistria from Europe
Photo: Russia plans to buy gas for Transnistria in Europe (Getty Images)
Russia plans to buy gas in Europe with the help of an intermediary company to supply it to Transnistria. This step is being discussed after gas transit through Ukraine stopped, according to Kommersant.
Moscow and Tiraspol are reportedly discussing the possibility of supplying gas to Transnistria not through the Turkish Stream, which was considered the main option after Ukraine stopped transiting Russian gas, but through purchases on the European spot market via an intermediary company.
It is noted that the costs in this case will be compensated from the Russian budget.
According to media reports, the purchase of gas under this scheme is being considered from January to April, with a daily volume of 3 million cubic meters, which could cost around $164 million.
This would be enough for domestic consumption in Transnistria, but not enough to export electricity from the Moldovan Power Plant to the right bank.
The intermediary is allegedly not Moldovagaz, but Natural Gaz D.C. This was confirmed to the Moldovan edition of NewsMaker by the company's co-owner, Arkady Vilkol.
According to him, the company has already signed a framework contract with Tiraspoltransgaz for 2-3 million cubic meters per day.
Energy crisis in Transnistria following Russia gas transit halt
As of January 1, Ukraine has completely halted the transit of Russian gas to Moldova and EU countries.
From that same day, Transnistria has been left without heating and hot water, and there have been disruptions in energy supplies.
It has been reported that the coal reserves in Transnistria are sufficient to last until the end of January.
Moldova has warned that Transnistria's energy system could collapse due to a severe shortage of electricity.
Additionally, Moldova offered the authorities of Transnistria the option to purchase gas from Europe at their own expense, but the offer was declined.
