---
title: "Local producers block roads in Telenești to protest cheap imports and market barriers"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/67218/local-producers-block-roads-in-telenesti-to-protest-cheap-imports-and-market-barriers
published: 2026-01-06T15:07:56Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Local producers block roads in Telenești to protest cheap imports and market barriers

> Moldovan police have issued a high-priority travel warning for the Negureni–Telenești highway on January 6.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/8a4aa967-127a-4cd0-ba8c-07824fbe957b.jpg)

Moldovan police have issued a high-priority travel warning for the Negureni–Telenești highway on January 6.

Local farmers are mobilizing heavy machinery for a protest that is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions on one of the country's primary transit routes.

The demonstration coincides with Orthodox Christmas Eve, a period of peak travel as citizens visit rural communities. Authorities urge drivers to avoid the area, warning that potential road blockades combined with unfavorable weather could paralyze regional movement.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/c5945e53-6384-4021-95e4-1fd28d46f0ec.jpg)

**Economic grievances and import pressures**

The protest was organized via social media by farmers frustrated by limited access to retail shelves and the influx of low-cost imports from Ukraine and other markets. Producers claim they are forced to sell at a deficit or abandon agriculture entirely due to unfair practices by major retail chains.

"Moldova, an agricultural-based economy, has shelves filled with imports—cheap onions from Ukraine and massive potato imports," stated Andrei Ioniță, a former official at the State Agency on Intellectual Property. He noted that small producers are sidelined by mandatory promotions and strict selection criteria.

**Commitment to peaceful demonstration**

The General Police Inspectorate has called on participants to show civic responsibility and cooperate with law enforcement. Officers will be on-site to manage road safety and prevent complete closures of public thoroughfares.

Organizers have scheduled the demonstration to begin at 12:00 PM. While the protest is intended to remain peaceful, the involvement of tractors and large equipment is likely to result in prolonged delays throughout the day.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**