Tofan to discuss Ukrainian gas supplies in Kyiv

Moldova will explore natural gas imports from Ukraine as Kyiv eases export restrictions, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said, acknowledging delays in securing long-term supply contracts.

Ukraine could offer an alternative source of gas

Moldova is considering importing natural gas from neighbouring Ukraine after the Ukrainian government approved a partial reopening of exports on October 7. Tofan said he planned to visit Kyiv to discuss the possibility, although no date had been set.

Ukraine has surplus gas supplies, but the volumes available for export are limited, the prime minister said. He estimated that around 500 million cubic metres could be available — roughly equivalent to Moldova's annual needs in the regulated market segment.

“Ukraine will sell this gas at market prices,” Tofan said, adding that lower prices could be negotiated if Moldova committed to purchasing gas over a period of three to five years.

The Ukrainian government's decision allows private producers to export up to 15% of the previous month's production through exchange auctions. State-controlled producers are excluded from the mechanism, according to the Kyiv Post. The decision could create an additional supply option for Moldova, but it does not guarantee access to specific volumes or preferential prices.

Government acknowledges delays in long-term contracting

Tofan acknowledged that the government and Energocom, the state-backed gas procurement company, should have done more to negotiate long-term supply contracts earlier.

“My criticism of ourselves, as the government, and Energocom is that we did not make greater efforts to identify long-term contracts,” he said, adding that negotiations should have been a priority in the spring and summer of the previous year.

The prime minister said Moldova should reduce its exposure to volatile spot-market prices by securing part of its gas needs through contracts with prices agreed in advance. The remainder could be purchased on the market, allowing the country to balance price stability with the possibility of benefiting from lower spot prices.

Tofan acknowledged that fixed-price contracts also carry risks. If market prices fall below the agreed contract price, the government could face criticism for paying more than the prevailing market rate.

“The state cannot gamble on energy prices. We need to secure part of our gas supply through medium- and long-term contracts and buy the rest on the market,” he said.

Russian gas ruled out as a supply option

Tofan said imports from Russia were not a viable option, including for logistical reasons, because Ukraine no longer allows Russian gas to transit through its pipeline network.

Moldova has diversified its gas supplies, including through purchases from European markets. Some of the gas currently procured comes from the United States and reaches the region through the Vertical Gas Corridor and the Greek port of Alexandroupolis, the prime minister said.

Energy bill compensation faces budget constraints

The government also faces pressure to support households as higher gas prices increase energy bills. Tofan said the state spent around €124.9 million (approximately 2.5 billion MDL) on compensation last year, benefiting about 620,000 households.

The government is considering stricter eligibility criteria to ensure that assistance reaches households most in need. Possible criteria include the cadastral value of a property, monthly gas consumption exceeding 30–50 cubic metres, and ownership of a new car, even if it was purchased on credit.

“From the limited resources available, we need to make sure that the assistance goes to those who need it most,” Tofan said.

The prime minister also warned that securing additional European support could become more difficult as governments across the EU face pressure to help their own energy-vulnerable consumers.

He said Moldova was continuing discussions with international partners but would also need to identify economic incentives to persuade potential suppliers to offer favourable contract terms.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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Tofan to discuss Ukrainian gas supplies in Kyiv

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