Moldovan energy minister says Transnistrian region receives up to 1.5 million m³ of gas daily, deliveries managed by Moldovagaz company, monitored by National Energy Regulator

The Transnistrian region continues to receive 1.2–1.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, equivalent to the last summer volumes. This supply level, although limited, enables moderate production of electricity, supplemented by an  enhanced operation of the Dubasari Hydroelectric Plant. Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu made statements to this effect at the show, Punctul pe Azi, at TVR Moldova today evening.

According to the minister, since August 19, the Moldovagaz company has been designated as the entity in charge of supplying gas to territories controlled by unlicensed operators, such as Tiraspoltransgaz.

"The obligation to create safety stocks for the Transnistrian region rests with Moldovagaz, and the national Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) monitors the fulfillment of this task," Junghietu noted.

The official said that recent difficulties in securing gas for the left bank were caused by repeated changes of the payment agent, a direct consequence of international sanctions limiting financial transfers from the Russian Federation.

According to reports analyzed by the Energy Ministry, the current gas volume allows the Transnistrian region to produce about 90–95 MWh of energy per day, and the Dubasari Hydroelectric Plant operates at increased capacity.

"We can say that the region has electricity, even if gas-based production remains limited to available volumes," Junghietu stressed.

The minister reminded that, although the European Union in February 2024 had provided an assistance package of 60 million euros to cover the energy needs of the region, Tiraspol rejected the offer, preferring financial support from Russia.

"The European mechanism remains available, but only if the Tiraspol administration meets the conditions set by Brussels," emphasized the official.

According to Junghietu, these conditions include respect for fundamental rights and freedoms; alignment of tariffs with market prices; exclusion of large industrial consumers from the support package.

As for the supply sources, Dorin Junghietu said that Gazprom might use the TurkStream route and the Trans-Balkan pipeline for transporting gas to Moldova.

"Everything is feasible, but it depends on the decision of the Russian Federation – whether it wants to continue financing gas delivered for free or at a reduced price for the Transnistrian region," explained the minister.

Some sources claim that Moscow is willing to accept transit through the Trans-Balkan pipeline, but conditions this on Chișinău paying the alleged debt of 709 million dollars for right bank consumption – a claim that Moldovan authorities contest.