CNMC: Eenergy sector remains fragile, ending state of emergency requires caution

The situation in the energy sector remains fragile, although some improvements have been observed recently. In this context, the institutions responsible for the energy sector emphasize that the current level of risks does not allow for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency, since the Republic of Moldova remains vulnerable as it depends entirely on fuel imports, and the regional context continues to affect deliveries. The situation was analyzed on the platform of the National Crisis Management Center (CNMC).

The meeting was organized at the instruction of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and brought together representatives of 12 institutions to assess the situation in the energy sector and the possible impact in the event the state of emergency is lifted.

During the discussions, it was underlined that although some improvements have been observed recently, the situation remains fragile. The Republic of Moldova continues to be vulnerable because it depends entirely on fuel imports, while the regional context – marked by Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East – continues to affect deliveries. Under these conditions, some states in the region have introduced export restrictions to protect their own markets.

“The institutions responsible for the energy sector emphasize that the current level of risks does not allow for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency. Any possible shortening of the term established by Parliament by ending this mechanism can be considered only under conditions of fully ensuring the energy security of the Republic of Moldova,” CNMC said.

The Republic of Moldova imports 100% of fuels, thus being more vulnerable than other countries in the region. In this context, according to CNMC, the measures taken were necessary primarily to stabilize fuel stocks, to ensure the necessary quantities of gasoline and diesel (especially during the period of intensified agricultural work), as well as to encourage importers of petroleum products to continue deliveries to the Republic of Moldova and producers of renewable energy to sell their energy on the domestic market.

From a technical standpoint, the energy system is not yet fully stabilized, CNMC underlined. The Isaccea–Vulcănești line, although operational, is in a critical period of checks and stability adjustments. Moreover, every year, according to the data, the April–May period is one of the most difficult because the disconnection of the CET cogeneration capacities reduces domestic electricity production by about 50% (around 200 MW), increasing dependence on imports and the risk of using emergency electricity at high costs.

CNMC stressed that the emergency measures adopted earlier were decisive in avoiding a major crisis across the entire energy sector, both in the electricity segment and in that of petroleum products. For example, diesel stocks had reached a critical level, and the authorities’ interventions allowed the resumption of supply and the reduction of the number of filling stations without fuel.

“At the national level, the situation has improved, but careful management of stocks remains necessary to avoid new difficulties. At the same time, even if the state of emergency is lifted, it will be necessary to reactivate the state of alert in order to maintain intervention tools to prevent the export of diesel and gasoline stocks from the country and to avoid fuel shortages at the pump,” CNMC explained.

In this context, several lines of action have been identified, including preparing a safe transition, such as analyzing the possibility of instituting a state of alert in the energy sector, in order to preserve the necessary intervention mechanisms, and ensuring good coordination between institutions so that any decision does not create interruptions in managing the situation, especially during holidays when consumption increases.

At the same time, the authorities have ordered daily monitoring of stocks and supply flows, as well as the identification of solutions to avoid financial blockages in the sector. Another measure concerns updating intervention plans to prevent possible problems in fuel supply and to ensure the necessary volumes during the agricultural season.

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova declared state of emergency for a period of 60 days, starting on March 25, 2026.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated on Wednesday, April 1, that the state of emergency will not be maintained even one day longer than necessary. He emphasized that he requested a full report on the current situation in the energy system and an action plan with concrete deadlines that will allow a return to normal operations.

Speaker Igor Grosu announced on Thursday, April 2, that Government representatives will present to the parliamentary factions the actions taken during the state of emergency, the solutions for the coming period, and the arguments that may determine the transition from the state of emergency to a state of alert.