Moldovan deputy PM says current energy crises in Transnistrian region could recur, as gas delivery model not sustainable

The energy crises in the Transnistrian region could recur, as this model of natural gas delivery is not sustainable. In these conditions, the payment agent could be changed at any time, depending on the sanctions’ regime applied by the European Union. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Valeriu Chiveri today made statements to this effect.

According to the official, the current situation on the left bank of the Dniester is not a political problem, but a technical one.

"The state of emergency is not being declared in the region for the first time. As far as we know, it is about changing the payment agent. It's not a political problem, it's a technical one. This is based on the fact that the Tiraspol authorities advocated for the gas delivery and payment mechanism suggested by Moscow and did not accept the offer of the Moldovan government, made with the support of European partners, which provides for a transparent resource delivery scheme. Energy crises, to a greater or lesser extent, could recur from case to case, every two or three weeks. This happens because the current model is not sustainable, and the payment agent could be changed at any time, depending on the sanctions’ regime applied by the European Union," said Valeriu Chiveri.

In the context, the deputy PM for Reintegration emphasized that the financial aid announced by the EU for the Transnistrian region "is valid and could be activated in case of emergency and of acceptance by Tiraspol."

The official also specified that, currently, "natural gas supplies for the population and social needs are provided."

At the end of the current August, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) decided to designate the company Moldovagaz as in charge of supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region until March 31, 2026. ANRE's decision stipulates that Moldovagaz will be able to purchase natural gas on the wholesale market of Moldova, including through the trading platform managed by "Romanian Commodities Exchange (Bursa Română de Mărfuri) Est" LLC, but exclusively for the needs of the Transnistrian region.

According to the same decision, the Moldovagaz stock company is obliged to establish sufficient gas reserves, in order to cover at least 15 per cent of the annual average consumption of household consumers, as well as enterprises and institutions providing essential social services in the region.

Starting from January 1, 2025, the Russian company Gazprom unjustifiably suspended the delivery of natural gas to Moldovagaz, even though there was a valid contract until 2026, leaving consumers in the Transnistrian region without natural gas and, consequently, without electricity, heat and hot water.

In the situation emerged, the European Union allocated a grant of 30 million euros for the procurement of necessary energy resources for consumers on both the left and right banks of the Dniester. Additionally, the EU provided an aid package of 60 million euros, in order to ensure the energy needs of the Transnistrian region. However, Tiraspol refused the support.