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PRESS REVIEW // Low probability for the Republic of Moldova to return to low electricity tariffs

The press examined Moscow's new plan for supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region, Chisinau's slow response in handling the situation, and the possibility of reverting to the previous electricity tariffs.

The Kremlin has initiated a new strategy regarding the gas supply to the Transnistrian region, according to TVR Moldova, which cites the Russian publication "Kommersant." The report indicates that starting February 1, the secessionist region could receive Russian gas via the "Turkish Stream" pipeline. A Cypriot company has reserved gas to the Bulgarian border, but it remains unclear how the gas will be delivered to its final destination. The Moldovan government in Chisinau has not been informed of these new plans, prompting the authorities to inquire with the Russian Embassy about the companies involved in potentially resuming gas supplies to Transnistrian region.

Former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Alexandru Flenchea, stated that the Moldovan authorities are “reacting late” to the ongoing energy crisis, which has been affecting the left bank of the Nistru for three weeks. He told Radio Free Europe that this situation could have been anticipated, and Chisinau had about a year and a half to prepare for a scenario where gas supplies from the Russian Federation to Transnistrian region could face interruptions.

Regardless of the strategies employed, Moscow’s ultimate objective is to influence the parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall. According to WatchDog expert Rodica Pîrgari, as reported by Moldova 1, Russia will continue using information manipulation to curb pro-European sentiments in Transnistrian region. "Russia halted gas supplies not only to sway the elections but also to punish Transnistrians for their voting choices in the referendum," Pîrgari noted.

Shifting focus to energy prices on the right bank of the Nistru, Unimedia reports that cheap electricity may no longer be possible. PAS deputy Dorian Istratii mentioned that prices could only decrease if EU market prices drop or if there is an increase in green energy production.

As a result of rising tariffs for electricity and heat, the provision of monetary compensation in February and March is at risk, according to mold-street.md. The increase in energy prices could lead to a 50% rise in maximum compensation amounts. The 2025 budget has allocated only 1.44 billion lei for this purpose, resulting in an estimated deficit of 1.3 billion lei. Currently, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has not specified how this financial deficit will be addressed.

Ziarul Național reports that the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are collaborating to secure both countries' energy markets, enhance energy interconnection, boost renewable energy production, and develop energy storage systems. These topics were discussed during a meeting in Davos, Switzerland, between Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Maxim Tymchenko, the executive director of Ukraine's largest energy company. The Chisinau government aims to increase investments in energy efficiency technologies and modern solutions to reduce consumption and costs in both the industrial and residential sectors.

Furthermore, Ziarul de Garda provides an analysis based on a Bloomberg article stating that fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the "Bank Fraud" case, is aiding Russian creditors and businessmen in maintaining international trade despite the payment difficulties resulting from Western sanctions. According to the analysis, Shor has established intermediary companies and formed partnerships with sanctioned entities to facilitate international transactions for the Russian private sector that are restricted by U.S. sanctions. More details on the schemes employed can be found in the article.

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