Moldova strengthens energy security: government approves increase of natural gas security stocks

Moldova’s natural gas security stocks will be increased by almost 6.5 million m³, reaching 56.3 million m³ for the 2026–2027 heating season. The decision was approved by the Government today, in order to strengthen supply security and reduce the impact of possible emergency situations.

The new volume is to be created by Energocom joint stock company (JSC) by October 1, 2026. The exact quantity of 56.3 million m³, which corresponds to ten days of natural gas consumption, is established based on calculations by the National Energy Regulatory Agency submitted to the Energy Ministry.

At the government meeting, Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said that the purpose of the project was to strengthen the security of natural gas supply and to enhance the resilience of the energy system in the event of a crisis in the natural gas sector.

“Through this decision, the government ensures the maintenance of an adequate level of protection for consumers and the national economy in the event of possible disruptions in the supply of natural gas. At the same time, the project clarifies the exceptional situations in which the security stocks may be used, so that these strategic reserves are accessed exclusively under circumstances that affect the security of natural gas supply. It is important to note that the security stocks represent a strategic reserve of the state and are not commercial stocks; they are meant for intervention in crisis situations and for ensuring the continuity of natural gas supply to final consumers. The project does not require the allocation of additional financial resources from the state budget, as the related costs are covered through the mechanism provided by the legislation in force. By approving the project, the government contributes to increasing the resilience of the natural gas sector, reducing the impact of possible exceptional situations on the national economy, ensuring continuity of natural gas supply to final consumers, and strengthening the energy security of Moldova,” emphasized Dorin Junghietu.

According to the project’s explanatory note, the additional costs for creating and maintaining the security stocks are planned to be covered through financial contributions from suppliers on the retail natural gas market.

The entire strategic reserve of natural gas, equivalent to approximately ten days of winter consumption, is currently stored in facilities from Romania and Ukraine, as well as in other states of the European Union and the Energy Community, since Moldova does not have its own natural gas storage capacities.

The project was drafted by the Energy Ministry, which proposed that its provisions enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal of Moldova, given the need for the immediate application of regulations related to the implementation of necessary measures to ensure the country’s energy security.

Security stocks are distinct from commercial stocks and may be used exclusively in exceptional situations, by decision of the competent authorities. During the 2025–2026 heating season, commercial stocks were used almost entirely to cover consumption peaks, without affecting the security reserves.