Moldova faces energy challenges with Russian gas transit disruption
There are two scenarios regarding the delivery of Russian natural gas to the Republic of Moldova, given that transit through Ukraine will be suspended starting January 1, 2025, and Kyiv has already announced that it will not extend this agreement.
This statement was made by Eugenia Gusilov, the founder of the Romanian Energy Center, on the "În context" program on Moldova 1. Gusilov stated that the Republic of Moldova could negotiate the transit of Russian gas alongside Hungary and Slovakia. The second scenario involves splitting the transport costs with Gazprom.
"I believe that any opportunity for discussion is beneficial because it is essential, given that there are options on the table, for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to have access to a fair electricity price this winter," said Gusilov.
"This must be discussed, even with an aggressor state like Russia, and only if a compromise or agreement cannot be reached. The issue is who will bear the additional transport costs if the gas no longer flows through Moldova but instead comes through Turkey and then reverses through the Trans-Balkan pipeline. Gazprom may not be willing to pay, and Moldova cannot assume these costs, but a compromise solution can be found where the transport costs for this new alternative route are shared," said Gusilov.
Igor Grosu, the President of Parliament and leader of the governing party Action and Solidarity, commented on the public backlash generated by Victor Parlicov’s visit to Saint Petersburg. The Speaker argues that Chișinău "must" communicate with the Kremlin, just as, according to him, the "big powers" like the USA, the UK, France, or Ukraine do.
"There are several issues that must be addressed. You can't just stay home and say it’s not the right time, or that we need to solve the Transnistrian issue first, etc. Excuse me, but that’s populism, and populism won’t keep you warm in winter," said Grosu on the "Punctul pe AZi" (Today’s Point) program on TVR Moldova.
It is worth noting that, the day before, the Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, met with Gazprom's director, Alexei Miller, in Saint Petersburg. The Russian company issued a brief statement, offering no details, saying that the parties discussed the situation in the gas sector. The Ministry of Energy also announced, without offering specifics, that the talks focused on "natural gas deliveries after January 1 for the Transnistrian region based on the existing contract, particularly if transit through Ukraine is interrupted." The issue of resolving MoldovaGaz's debt to Gazprom was also discussed, and both parties agreed to resume consultations on this matter.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
