Government proposes declaring state of emergency in energy and hydrological sectors for 60 days

The Government will ask Parliament to declare a state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors nationwide for a period of 60 days, starting on September 26. The measure is preventive and necessary to enable the authorities to respond quickly in the event of disruptions to energy, fuel, and water supplies, amid regional risks and a severe hydrological deficit.

The states of alert previously established in the two sectors expire on September 25. However, the risks that led to their introduction persist, and pressure on the energy system will increase as the cold season approaches.

This winter, approximately 59% of the country's electricity needs will have to be covered through imports. During peak hours, the import requirement is estimated at 400–450 MW, of which approximately 360 MW represents guaranteed capacity.

Regarding natural gas, more than 90% of the requirements for the cold season have already been contracted. At present, there is no risk of insufficient gas volumes, but price developments on international markets are creating financial risks and requiring significant resources for purchases and the replenishment of mandatory reserves.

The situation on the fuel market has improved following measures implemented by the authorities. If, at the beginning of August, stocks covered approximately 3.5 days of consumption and 109 stations reported shortages of certain products, stocks currently cover around 10 days, while the number of stations reporting shortages has fallen to fewer than 7. External risks nevertheless persist amid disruptions on regional and international markets.

At the same time, the Republic of Moldova is facing a severe hydrological deficit on the Dniester and Prut rivers. Low water levels could affect water abstraction capacity and, consequently, the supply of drinking water to the population. The two sectors are directly interconnected: water abstraction, pumping, and treatment infrastructure depends on electricity, while drought in turn reduces hydroelectric power generation.

The state of emergency will allow the authorities, when circumstances require, to adopt temporary and proportionate measures to maintain energy and fuel stocks and imports, protect household consumers and critical infrastructure, and ensure continuity of water and energy supplies.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized that the Government must focus on measures that could reduce the impact of these risks on the population, including by reviewing the support provided to households during the cold season. “This winter, we will have to reconsider the initial decision and increase compensation compared with the initial plans. We must ensure that we cover a larger number of households. Last year, we covered 620,000 households and, most likely, this figure will be even higher this year. We cannot control drought, war, or fuel shortages, but there are things we can control. In this regard, the assistance provided to people by the Government is an absolute priority.”

The official stressed that the measures are necessary so that the state can respond in time, before external risks directly affect citizens. The authorities’ objective is to prevent shortages and interruptions and ensure the continuity of energy, heating, water, and fuel supplies, as well as the uninterrupted operation of essential services.

The proposal to declare a state of emergency will be submitted to Parliament for review and approval.