No Answer from Gazprom to Moldova on Gas Transit via Alternative Route

It will happen in a scenario if Kyiv does not renew the contract for Russian gas transit via the Trans-Balkan pipeline next year. Energy Minister Victor Parlicov said this, tvrmoldova.md reports. ‘That is the point of communication with Gazprom on this chapter, because we need to understand whether they are preparing for an alternative scenario or not. We don’t want to find ourselves on 31 December in a situation where there is no alternative route and the contract is not extended. So far there has been no clarity from Gazprom. In November we will know if there will be quarterly capacity contracts for the first quarter of 2025 for transport on the Trans-Balkan route. We are preparing for any scenario. Discussions regarding transit through Ukraine after 1 January concern not only Moldova, but also EU countries,’ Victor Parlicov said. At yesterday’s meeting, the government approved the Regulation and Emergency Action Plan for the gas industry. The document establishes measures adapted to three levels of crisis: early warning, high alert and emergency. Back in August, the Moldovagaz company asked Gazprom for an answer regarding the supply of Russian gas via alternative routes. So far, the Russian giant has not responded. The contract for gas transit from Russia through Ukraine to Europe expires at the end of 2024. Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine Kyiv confirmed that it would not extend the contract. For almost two years Russian gas has not been used by consumers on the right bank of the Nistru. Instead, all gas capacity from Russia is used by Transnistrian residents and for electricity generation by the Kuchurgan power plant, which is then purchased by Chisinau.