Economic

Strategic interdependence: Moldova navigates geological constraints to secure gas supply

Geological and financial constraints prevent Moldova from building domestic gas storage facilities in the near future. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu clarified that establishing an underground depot would require a $16 billion investment.

The country currently lacks the exhausted gas fields or salt mines necessary for natural gas injection. Minister Junghietu emphasized during a Moldova 1 broadcast that a full geological assessment is required, but the prohibitive costs make domestic storage unfeasible.

Consequently, the government has opted for a "dual-storage strategy," utilizing infrastructure in neighboring countries to secure its strategic reserves.

Regional partnerships

Moldova currently splits its safety stocks between its neighbors: 55% are held in Romania and 45% in Ukraine. Kyiv has recently reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of these reserves despite the ongoing conflict.

Official data shows that Moldova currently maintains 22.6 million cubic meters of gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities.

Market trends and tariffs

Energy forecasts for 2026 indicate an average purchase price of €404 (approx. 7,918 MDL) per 1,000 cubic meters. This represents a 17% decrease compared to the previous year.

This downward trend enabled the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) to reduce domestic tariffs. Effective February 3, household consumers pay 14.42 MDL per cubic meter, down from the previous rate of 16.74 MDL.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Read more

Europe must protect Europe: Romania demands eastern flank resource equity
International

Europe must protect Europe: Romania demands eastern flank resource equity

Romanian Defense Minister and Vice Prime Minister Radu-Dinel Miruta called for the urgent acceleration of European defense industrial production during the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting on February 12.

Luminița Toma Luminița Toma

Luminița Toma

2026 Winter Olympics. American Jordan Stolz triumphs in speed skating, 1,000-meter distance
Social
Video

2026 Winter Olympics. American Jordan Stolz triumphs in speed skating, 1,000-meter distance

Jordan Stolz, an athlete from the United States, won the gold medal in speed skating in the 1,000-meter event. He clocked a time of one minute, six seconds, and 28 hundredths of a second, setting a new Olympic record.

Dmitri Ciolacu Dmitri Ciolacu

Dmitri Ciolacu

Renew Europe MEP Dan Barna takes leadership role to accelerate Moldova’s EU integration
EU accession

Renew Europe MEP Dan Barna takes leadership role to accelerate Moldova’s EU integration

Romanian MEP Dan Barna (Renew Europe) was appointed Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee on Thursday, February 12.

Luminița Toma Luminița Toma

Luminița Toma