Moldova may buy gas from Ukraine; the Prime Minister visits Kyiv this week
The Republic of Moldova could import natural gas from Ukraine, as the authorities in Chisinau seek more favorable contracts. The two countries are already in discussions regarding potential cooperation in the gas market, and Prime Minister Vasile Tofan is set to visit Ukraine at the end of this week.
Ukraine produces natural gas and has a surplus, which could open new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. This topic is set to be discussed during Vasile Tofan’s visit to Kyiv, alongside other areas of common interest, such as energy, water, trade, and security.
"We are engaged in very intensive discussions regarding potential cooperation in the gas market. As you know, Ukraine is a gas producer with a surplus, and we are in deep talks with the Ukrainian side to identify solutions that serve the interests of both countries," stated Vasile Tofan on Wednesday, October 21, at the start of the Government meeting.
Meanwhile, the authorities in Chisinau continue to seek alternative suppliers and negotiate more favorable contracts, including with Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Turkmenistan. The goal is to secure better supply terms for the medium and long term.
These discussions are taking place against the backdrop of rising gas prices on international markets. According to figures presented during the Government meeting, the exchange price has reached 86 euros per megawatt-hour, compared to 26 euros in January.
"We cannot control the price of gas, as it is the price that all countries are currently paying. However, we can work to secure more advantageous contracts for the medium and potentially longer term. No one is waiting to hand us cheap gas; we have to put in the work, negotiate, build relationships based on trust, and translate those relationships into better terms for Moldova," the Prime Minister declared. Natural gas prices have risen in the Republic of Moldova amid an international energy crisis and higher procurement costs. As of October 1, household consumers are paying 26.14 lei per cubic meter of gas, VAT included.
The tariff rose by nearly 29% after the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) approved the decision on September 28. A further price adjustment before the end of the year cannot be ruled out, given the unpredictability of developments in the international market.
