Junghietu: Moldova Views Azerbaijan as a Partner for LNG Supplies

Moldova is open to participating in the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe energy corridor project, and is also considering the possibility of purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Azerbaijan. Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu told the Azerbaijani publication Report about this, according to logos-pres.md. According to him, the prospects for long-term cooperation will be determined primarily by the commercial competitiveness of the resource, optimized transportation rates, and efficient use of existing routes. “The Ministry sets the strategy and regulatory framework for energy security, while price and commercial procurement decisions are made by licensed market participants in accordance with current market rules,” Dorin Junghietu explained. The Minister also emphasized that the energy cooperation between Moldova and Azerbaijan is already going beyond gas supplies: “The dialogue covers oil products, the development of storage infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and the exchange of technical expertise”. Junghietu emphasized that the purchase of natural gas in Moldova is carried out strictly on commercial and market principles. “The state-owned trader Energocom maintains a constructive commercial dialogue with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and has concluded a framework agreement that allows for spot and short-term transactions depending on market conditions. At this stage, according to the national company, a binding long-term supply agreement has not been signed. Logistics and transportation costs along regional routes remain a significant limiting factor, which directly affects the final price of gas for consumers,” the minister added. Speaking about Moldova’s potential participation in the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe energy corridor project, Junghietu said, “Moldova views the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor initiative as a strategically important regional project that promotes interconnected electricity systems, diversifies clean energy sources, and enhances integration with European electricity markets”.