Parlicov: Debt to Gazprom as of the End of March 2022 Totaled $709m

This was stated by Energy Minister Victor Parlicov at a press conference. According to Parlicov, Moldovagaz’s debt as of 31 October 2021 was $756 million, but since some of the debts have been paid, a total debt was about $709 million at the end of March 2022. “It takes about $1,000 per family to pay off that debt,” claims Parlicov. The audit shows that for major part of debt, either the supporting documents have not been submitted or the debt is uncollectible. The minister says that, based on the results, the Moldovan side can make certain financial claims against Gazprom. We are talking about several points, namely, the way the revenues from the gas transit across the Moldovan territory are distributed. Another point is Gazprom’s failure to fulfil its commitments on the volumes of gas supplied in autumn. Gazprom limited the volumes for Moldova. Parlicov concluded by saying that at this stage, the proposal is to pay Gazprom the sum of 8.6 million dollars and close the case. “It is the proposal we have sent to Gazprom. We are waiting for a reaction. There are procedures. The results of the report must be approved by the Supervisory Board of Moldovagaz. We will see how things will start, but it is the position of the Moldovan government,” Parlicov said. Answering the question about what will happen if Moldovagaz does not recognize the audit results, Parlicov noted: “We know that the results may not be approved by Moldovagaz, as Gazprom holds a controlling stake there. At the same time, this audit is a basis for Moldova for way to deal with these debts. Legally, we understand that the report is not approved by the Supervisory Board. But the government’s position on what to do with these debts is based on the audit’s conclusions”. According to the minister, if Gazprom accepts the $8.6 million debt, Moldovagaz will pay the money. “The company has this money. It will not affect consumer bills in any way,” Parlicov said.