Moldovan PM says government to intervene before problems turn into bigger crises

The National Crisis Management Commission (CNMC) today met to coordinate the authorities’ response to risks in the energy and hydrological sectors, following the introduction of a state of alert for a period of 30 days.

“We came to government to build and to carry out reforms. But a responsible government must also respond to crises. We must intervene before problems grow and before they affect people,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan during a news  conference held after the CNMC meeting.

Referring to the situation on the fuel market, the PM noted that it was influenced by rising international prices, the interruption of crude oil supplies through the Novorossiysk terminal, the conflict in the Middle East, transport difficulties on the Danube and measures adopted by some states of the region regarding re-exports. Under these conditions, the government’s goal is to ensure continuity of diesel supply without exposing the population and farmers to unjustified price increases.

“We need to find a balance. We do not want artificially low prices and empty filling stations, but we will not accept uncontrolled prices and profits made on the back of the crisis either,” the prime minister emphasized.

In this regard, the National Crisis Management Commission decided on a temporary adjustment, for 30 days, of the calculation formula used to set the ceiling price for diesel. For the same period, the margin will be increased by the equivalent of 25 dollars per ton, i.e. approximately 0.37 lei per liter. The PM specified that importers had requested a larger increase, but the Government will not allow unjustified hikes.

At the same time, measures were approved to streamline imports, prioritize customs clearance of oil products, create dedicated lanes at the border for tankers, and grant priority access to rail transport. Exports and re-exports will be limited, so that the volumes needed for the domestic market remain in Moldova.

Additionally, the sale of diesel in containers larger than 40 liters will be temporarily restricted, with exceptions for farmers, while public institutions will reduce their diesel consumption by 20 per cent without affecting the operation of essential services.

As for the hydrological situation, the prime minister drew attention to the critical water levels in the Dniester and in the reservoirs and stressed that the authorities’ priority was to ensure the supply of drinking water.

“The priority is drinking water for people. We must know in advance what alternatives we have and how quickly they can be activated, so that any risk can be managed without interruption of essential services,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

The authorities will continuously monitor water levels and quality, check alternative supply sources and update continuity plans for water operators, so that any potential disruptions can be managed promptly.

In conclusion, the PM underlined that the authorities would monitor daily the evolution of diesel stocks, imports, the situation at filling stations, the Dniester’s flow and the water supply.

“We will intervene before problems turn into bigger crises. That is what a responsible government means. Our goal is to protect people, ensure continuity of services and maintain the normal working of the country,” the prime minister noted.