Moldovan energy minister gives explanations on how Transnistrian region to be supplied with energy resources during next cold season

The Moldovagaz company has been designated as the entity responsible for supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region, and the Energy Ministry has asked the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) to extend this obligation until the end of the heating season, namely April 30, 2027, so that citizens on the left bank of the Dniester are ensured access to energy resources. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu today made statements to this effect in parliament during the consideration of the draft law on declaring a state of emergency in the energy sector.

Dorin Junghietu emphasized that, under the law, Moldovagaz is required to secure gas reserves amounting to 15 percent of consumption, in order to supply the region with gas.

“For the first part of the winter, Moldovagaz was initially designated or proposed for designation as the entity responsible for supplying gas to the left bank, and we have recently submitted to ANRE a proposal to extend Moldovagaz’s obligation to supply gas to the left bank until the end of the heating season, namely until April 30. Under this obligation, Moldovagaz is also responsible for creating the reserves and contracting the volumes amounting to 15 percent—the so-called storage obligation for the left bank. As far as we know, Moldovagaz is working on this matter,” Dorin Junghietu said.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized that the authorities must look after the citizens living in the Transnistrian region.

“They are our citizens. We must also think about them, regardless of our disagreements with the Tiraspol regime. Gas continues to be supplied to the region through a Hungarian company. This gas is paid for by the region’s partners, and now that the winter season is approaching, under Moldova’s legislation, we must ensure that Moldovagaz creates the necessary gas reserves, including for the region on the left bank of the Dniester. The law that applies to us also applies to them. We are in discussions with Moldovagaz, and Moldovagaz, in turn, is in discussions with its main shareholder,” Vasile Tofan said.