Moldova and Ukraine Sign Emergency Gas Memorandum

The Memorandum of  Understanding on the Cooperation in the Area of Security of Gas Supply was signed by Minister of  Economy and Infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova Anatol Usatîi and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine Kostiantyn Chyzhyk, moldpres.md reports. Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure statement has specified that the document provided for exchange of info and coordination of actions to prevent mitigate and manage emergency gas supply to consumers. “We greatly appreciate the support of Ukrainian Government to Moldova. This Memorandum confirms that, in the event of a gas supply crisis, responsible authorities and operators in Moldova and Ukraine will make joint efforts to overcome them and not, in any way, limit or obstruct the flow of gas to consumers of affected state”, said Anatol Usatîi. The Minister of Economy has also thanked the Director of the Energy Community Secretariat Janez Kopač for the support given to Moldova and proposal to conclude this Memorandum of Understanding between the respective central public authorities of Moldova and Ukraine, which came in the context of uncertainties regarding the continuation of gas transit from Russia throughout Ukraine starting  from  January 1, 2020. The issue of gas insurance of Moldova has also been discussed in Brussels. Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Moldovagaz Vadim Ceban has informed the head of the state that after the discussions it was agreed to increase the volumes of gas needed for Moldova to cover the entire consumption using a reverse flow of natural gas. It is about 15-mln m3 a day. According to Ceban, in order to reach these agreements, the operators in Bulgaria and Romania have to modify the interconnection agreements with Negru Voda and Kardam, respectively. In addition, the Transgaz Romania interconnection agreement and gas transit system operator in Ukraine is being in progress for the Isaccea 1/Orlovka gas measuring station. It follows that the Romanian and Ukrainian sides, in the immediate period are to finalize the text of the agreement and sign it. As soon as this agreement is signed, Moldova is ready to receive natural gas in reverse regime. Point