Munteanu on Lukoil-Moldova: Strategic Infrastructure Illegally Monopolized

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu commented on the transfer of Lukoil-Moldova’s assets to state control, noting that this is strategic infrastructure that had been turned into an illegal private monopoly. “In 2005, Lukoil-Moldova acquired this infrastructure with numerous violations. Now, the task of the prosecutor’s office and all supervisory authorities is to find out what happened. But the main thing is that Lukoil-Moldova took on obligations regarding the investment process, which, as it turned out, were not fulfilled. (...) The authorities are conducting an investigation, and I am sure they will provide an answer. As far as I know, there is no statute of limitations for such violations,” the head of government said on Moldova1 TV. The Prime Minister explained that the immediate reason for the transfer of these assets was the crisis at the parent company and the need to prevent functional collapse with direct risks to safety. “Since the imposition of US sanctions against Lukoil’s parent company, Lukoil-Moldova has stated that it cannot comply with the conditions imposed by these sanctions, and the government has acknowledged the existence of a threat,” Munteanu emphasized. The head of the executive branch criticized previous governments for allowing the asset to be transferred to a foreign player for a pittance and turning a national security facility into a private monopoly.