Chicu: Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau Gas Pipeline Is to Be Used as an Alternative Source

The Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline is an alternative source of gas supply for the Republic of Moldova, and will only be used if it is economically rational. This stated Prime Minister Ion Chicu in the program “Punctul pe AZi” on TVR Moldova, ipn.md reported. “It has been technically put into operation, this is an event on which we should all congratulate ourselves, because we have such a gas pipeline. This is an alternative opportunity to supply gas to the Republic of Moldova in case of problems along the traditional route. At the moment, whether we like it or not, the traditional Russia-Ukraine route and the entry to the Republic of Moldova from the south and through Transdniestria is economically the most rational,” Ion Chicu said. However, the prime minister does not rule out that in the near future gas from Romania may be cheaper than gas from the Russian Federation. “We all want the lowest possible tariffs, it doesn't matter here - south, north and where it comes from, here only numbers play a role. It is quite possible that in the near future, for example, gas from Romania will be cheaper. It is possible that such opportunities will arise, and then this gas pipeline will be used for initial purposes, that is, for supply. Until then, economic reasoning will prevail,” the official added. Ion Chicu claimed that the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline has significantly increased the energy security of the Republic of Moldova, for which he thanked the Romanian authorities who fully participated in project implementation.