Moldova’s Gas Reserves Are Enough for a Week

The authorities are considering a scenario of complete cessation of gas supplies by Gazprom. In this regard, they have taken a number of measures, the implementation of which will save 500 million m3 of methane. Thus, the bill proposes switching sugar refineries Moldova-Zahar and Südzucker Moldova to alternative fuel, connecting biomass boilers in public institutions, switching Termoelectrica to fuel oil, writes bani.md. In addition, the authorities estimate an increase in demand for firewood of about 50%, following a rise in natural gas prices, as well as an increase in demand for coal of about 50%. Authorities say they store 24.5 million m3 of gas in Romania, which covers about a week in winter. “If all measures to reduce and mitigate the effects of natural gas limitations are applied, about 500 million m3 of natural gas can be saved and/or replaced during the 2022-2023 heating season, not including measures to disconnect all disconnected consumers (except Termoelectrica JSC) and the purchase of natural gas from alternative sources,” the bill says. Moldova is on the verge of a gas crisis because it had not audited Moldovagaz’s historic $709 million debt by the end of May, and Gazprom has the right to terminate its supply contract. The authorities claim that although they send inquiries to the Russian concern, it does not respond, and they have not been notified about the gas cut-off. At the same time, gas price has now exceeded 2,000 dollars per 1,000 m3. Energy experts claim that Gazprom will resort to energy blackmail during the winter months, so the authorities should have several alternatives, including building gas reserves for at least two winter months. Point