Parlicov: Moldova May Resume Gas Purchases from Gazprom Under Certain Conditions

Moldova may resume direct purchases of natural gas from Gazprom if the Russian company offers a favorable price. This was announced by Energy Minister Victor Parlicov on the TV8 channel. “People criticize me that we are returning to supplies from Gazprom. We are not going back, but we can buy gas from it if it offers a good price, better than from another supplier. This is a matter of economics. I adhere to this and I am in favor of lowering the level of politics in gas supply issues,” Parlicov said, radiomoldova.md reports. The minister said that Chisinau had already sent a request to the Russian company regarding possible routes of natural gas supplies to Transnistria starting from January 2025, when the agreement between Ukraine and Gazprom expires. No official answer has been received yet. Parlicov assured that the Moldovan authorities do not intend to hinder supplies of natural gas to the left bank of the Dniester, but are ready for “any scenario”. “We are doing our job. We are trying to get clarity from Gazprom as soon as possible on gas supplies in case the traditional route closes. (...) There is quite a lot of gas in the region. Gas purchases are not the problem. The problem is that Gazprom has so far agreed to supply this gas to the Transnistrian region free of charge. If Gazprom decides to stop doing this, there will be gas, but there, in Transnistria, will anyone be able to pay for it?” the official wondered. Parlicov has also noted that if Ukraine does not extend the transit contract through its territory, gas transport could be diverted to alternative routes, for example, through Turkey. When asked how much consumers in the Transnistrian region might end up paying if they use this route, Parlicov said: “I am afraid to think about it. Probably the same price as on the right bank”. It should be noted that Russian gas continues to transit through Ukraine to Europe under the current five-year contract signed at the end of 2019. The contract expires at the end of 2024, and Ukraine has said that it does not intend to extend it. At the same time, Russian gas that transits through Ukraine is used by the Transnistrian region. Although the right bank is no longer dependent on Russian gas, it uses electricity generated at the Cuciurgan Power Plant, supplying almost 90% of its needs. The purchase contract, extended in autumn 2023, expires at the end of 2024. The cost of energy purchased from the Transnistrian region is currently USD 66 per MWh.