Moldovagaz loses dominance as Moldova looks to Energocom
“Moldovagaz is only significant as long as it supplies natural gas from the Russian Federation to the Republic of Moldova.
When it fails to meet its contractual obligations, it loses its relevance, as many of its duties have already been assumed by Energocom over the past two years,” explained Eugenia Gusilov, founder of the Romania Energy Center, during the “IN CONTEXT” program. She emphasized that the authorities in Chișinău will not allow Moldovagaz to maintain a privileged position in Moldova’s energy market for much longer.
“Because Moldovagaz failed to fulfill its obligations, it became necessary to create Energocom, which assumed many of the responsibilities that would normally have been handled by Moldovagaz, had it not been a company controlled by Russia’s Gazprom. Many of these duties were redirected to Energocom over the past two years, particularly regarding registration on foreign exchanges and the purchase of additional volumes of gas and electricity from outside the Republic of Moldova.”
Nationalizing Chișinău’s largest gas supplier, currently controlled by Gazprom, is a feasible project. “It is a scenario that can be put into practice, but I believe it is not the top priority right now. The primary concern will be to see how the months of January and February unfold, given Chișinău’s desire to protect vulnerable consumers on the left bank of the Dniester. If Chișinău had not taken on this responsibility, things would have been simpler. These aspects are clearly visible: Chișinău is actively addressing and preparing for this,” Gusilov stated.
“However, on the other hand, the Transnistrian region is a separatist territory with its own authorities. Ultimately, responsibility lies with the authorities there, in Tiraspol,” she added.
To eliminate the monopoly held by Moldovagaz in the supply market, Gusilov advises the state to take certain actions. “Once this signal is sent, companies capable of taking on some clients will emerge, signing new contracts, and offering an alternative to the service currently provided by Moldovagaz.”
Translation by Iurie Tataru
