Gazprom talks critical for Moldova’s energy security in 2025
Energy Minister Victor Parlicov will depart for St. Petersburg on Monday, November 25, where he is set to hold negotiations with representatives from "Gazprom."
The main topic of the discussions will be securing natural gas supplies for the Transnistrian region from January 1, 2025, Parlicov stated at the Jurnal TV.
"Gazprom has a contract. The reality is that transit through Ukraine may or may not occur. For us, it is important to understand whether they will fulfil the contract under any conditions, even if there is no transit through Ukraine. This is the most complex scenario. (…) For me, it is crucial that we obtain clarity on this issue early enough to prepare for a scenario in which the supply may not continue," Parlicov said.
The minister also mentioned that the invitation he received from "Gazprom" refers to outstanding debts.
"I understand that this visit to St. Petersburg is sensitive, as it involves travelling to the Russian Federation, a country that is an aggressor in the case of Ukraine. But these are the options: you go and negotiate, or you don’t go and don’t engage in talks. If you don’t engage in talks, in my opinion, you miss the opportunity to have a dialogue and resolve the issue," Parlicov added.
It is important to note that the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will expire on January 1, 2025. Kyiv has already announced that it will not initiate discussions with Russia to extend this agreement.
Russian gas transiting Ukraine also reaches Moldova, specifically the Transnistrian region. Although the right bank of the Dniester no longer depends on Russian gas, it is almost entirely reliant on electricity generated on the left bank of the Dniester. Currently, Chișinău meets almost 90 percent of its electricity needs from the Cuciurgan Power Plant. The purchase contract, extended in the autumn of 2023, will expire at the end of 2024. The cost of electricity purchased from the Transnistrian region is currently $66 per MWh.
The authorities state that they have approved a plan of action and assert that they will overcome any potential issues with gas and electricity supply in 2025.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
