VIDEO // Moldova could import natural gas from Ukraine

The Republic of Moldova could import natural gas from Ukraine. The authorities intend to discuss with the Ukrainian side the possibility of signing long-term contracts, which would make it possible to obtain a lower price. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan made the statement at a TV show.

The official said that Ukrainian gas could have a more advantageous price due to lower transportation costs.


“Until now, there was a moratorium on gas exports from Ukraine. Very recently, an initiative was launched to lift this moratorium, because Ukraine also needs budget revenues. Indeed, the country has a certain gas surplus. The gas is extracted in two regions: Poltava and Ivano-Frankivsk. The volumes available for export are not very large. I have heard figures of around 500 million cubic meters of gas, approximately the amount our country would need for one gas year on the regulated market,” Vasile Tofan said.


The prime minister said that the issue would be discussed during his visit to Kyiv, which is expected to take place in the near future.


“We must understand that Ukraine will sell this gas at the market price. The cost could be reduced through a commitment involving a longer purchasing period. If we buy gas for immediate consumption, as a one-time purchase, we must pay the market price or something close to it. However, Ukrainian gas could be cheaper because we would have lower transportation costs. If we manage to agree on a structure and commit to purchasing for a longer period—three, four or five years—by offering them a purchase guarantee, then the price could indeed be lower,” Vasile Tofan noted.


On October 7 this year, the Ukrainian government approved the partial reopening of natural gas exports, which had been suspended following the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Thus, private producers will be able to export up to 15% of the amount of gas extracted in the previous month.

The mechanism will not apply to state-controlled companies and is intended to allow private producers to sell gas on foreign markets under regulated conditions.