Moldova, Ukraine sign Memorandum on supply of natural gas in exceptional situations

22:29 | 13.12.2019 Category: Economic

Chisinau, 13 December /MOLDPRES/ – Minister of Economy and Infrastructure of Moldova, Anatol Usatii, and deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine, Constantin Cijic, have signed on Friday, 13 December, the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of natural gas supply security. A statement from the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI) has specified that the document provides for exchange of info and coordination of actions to prevent, mitigate and manage exceptional situations in order to supply consumers with natural gas.

"We greatly appreciate the support of Ukrainian Government to Moldova. This Memorandum confirms that, in the event of a gas supply crisis, responsible authorities and operators in Moldova and Ukraine will make joint efforts to overcome them and not, in any way, limit or obstruct the flow of gas to consumers of affected state", said Anatol Usatii.

The Minister of Economy has also thanked the Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Janez Kopač, for the support given to Moldova and proposal to conclude this Memorandum of Understanding between the respective central public authorities of Moldova and Ukraine, which came in the context of uncertainties regarding the continuation of gas transit from Russia throughout Ukraine starting 01 January 2020.

The issue of gas insurance of Moldova has also been discussed in Brussels. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Moldovagaz, Vadim Ceban, has informed today the head of the state that after the discussions, it was agreed to increase the volumes of gas needed for Moldova to cover the entire consumption, by reverse. It is about 15 mln m3/day.

According to Ceban, in order to reach these agreements, the operators in Bulgaria and Romania have to modify the interconnection agreements with Negru Voda and Kardam, respectively. Also, there are being in progress the Transgaz Romania interconnection agreement and gas transit system operator in Ukraine for the Isaccea 1/Orlovka gas measuring station. It follows that the Romanian and Ukrainian sides, in the immediate period are to finalise the text of the agreement and sign it.

As soon as this agreement is signed, Moldova is ready to receive natural gas in reverse regime.

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