In Moldova, they said that Chisinau would not refuse negotiations with Gazprom

CHISINAU, 26 Aug – PRIME. Moldova is not going to abandon negotiations with Gazprom, but is also interested in alternative sources of energy, including from Romania and Ukraine, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said on Friday.

On February 24, the Moldovan authorities introduced a state of emergency in the country due to the situation in Ukraine and the energy crisis. At this time, the Commission for Emergency Situations can intervene promptly and, if necessary, make decisions, in addition to those established by the current regulatory framework, to provide all consumers with energy resources and maintain the energy security of the state.

Last week, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on the republic’s ambassadors to look for alternative gas suppliers to Gazprom.

“Everything will depend on the military actions in Ukraine, on how it will affect the markets, on how cold it will be outside … As for gas, we are negotiating to have alternative sources. We will continue the discussion with Gazprom” “I know that Moldovagaz is in constant contact with Gazprom, an audit of the debt is being carried out. We are open for further discussion,” Grosu said on the Chisinau Prime TV channel.

He noted that the government is looking for the possibility of alternative gas supplies, including from Romania, at the same time, a proposal to purchase electricity from Ukraine is being considered.

“We continue to look for alternative sources of gas supply, including from Romania. As for electricity, in my opinion, things are better, because there is a surplus of electricity in Ukraine, and Ukraine is looking for export opportunities,” the Moldovan speaker said.

Now Moldova buys 70% of electricity from the Moldavskaya GRES (located in Transnistria, owned by the Russian Inter RAO) at a price of $60 per 1 MW / h, and 30% from the Ukrainian Energoatom at a price of $ 78 per 1 MW / h . Moldova’s annual electricity needs are estimated at 800 MW.

In October 2021, the country’s authorities agreed with Gazprom to extend the contract for the supply of gas to the republic, subject to an audit of the Moldovagaz debt in 2022. “Gazprom” said that, taking into account the situation in Moldova, it was decided to sign the contract practically on the terms of the Moldovan side, but subject to timely 100% payment of current payments.