Lupu: Moldova Buys Russian Gas, but Price Outweighs Origin

According to the chairman of the Respect Moldova party, the discussion about the origin of gas is false, and the real priority should be price and stability of supply: All these troubadours who say that we no longer buy Russian gas are talking nonsense. The Minister of Energy has acknowledged that we buy it on international markets, and therefore its origin is irrelevant. What matters is the price and reliability of supplies. After 28 September, we will discuss with all suppliers and choose the most advantageous option for citizens, regardless of where the gas comes from,” Lupu said, as quoted by bani.md. Lupu stressed that the rise in gas prices had seriously affected the economy: “Due to the tariff increase, dozens of businesses shut down and thousands of people lost their jobs. According to statistics, at least 40,000 jobs were lost, while others say the figure is 52,000. People were forced to leave the country.” In his opinion, the election campaign should focus on specific decisions: “I don’t want a campaign based on fears and idle promises, but on real solutions. We need to discuss how to reduce gas prices, not who supplies it.” Earlier, the Moldovan authorities stated that the country would not purchase Russian gas from 2022 onwards. All the necessary volume is purchased on the European market and imported via the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline. Recently, the authorities decided to exclude Moldovagaz from the gas scheme. From 1 August 2025, Energocom will be responsible for supplying gas to consumers.