Spinu: Gas Supplies Might Be Terminated if Moldovagaz Debt Is Not Audited

If the authorities do not audit Moldovagaz debt to Gazprom by May, there is a risk for the contract and gas supplies to Moldova to be terminated. This was stated by Vice Prime Minister Andrei Spinu on the air of Cutia Neagră on TV8, agora.md reports. The Minister of Infrastructure said that all the documentation to launch the tender has already been prepared, after which the Public Property Agency (PPA) will conclude a contract with an international company to audit the debt. “Last week, this information was also conveyed to Gazprom representatives in the Observer Council at a meeting of the Moldovagaz Observer Council. At the last meeting, it was decided that comments from Gazprom representatives are expected until January 25,” the minister said. Andrei Spinu clarified that no later than January 27, the PPA will announce the start of an international tender for this audit. It should be noted that the protocol signed with the Russian side states that verification will be conducted by the Moldovan side. Following negotiations with Gazprom in St. Petersburg in October 2021, the Moldovan and Russian sides signed a protocol in addition to the contract on natural gas supplies. The document provides that by May 1, 2022, the parties will sign an Agreement to settle Moldovagaz’s debt to Gazprom for gas supplied to consumers on the right bank of the Dniester. Prior to signing this agreement, the Moldovan side will audit Moldovagaz’s debt to Gazprom for gas supplied to right bank consumers. The final audit report will be agreed with the Moldovagaz Supervisory Board. Point