Gazprom changed its attitude to the Republic of Moldova after a pro-European party came to power, said energy security expert Sergiu Tofilat. He noted that by the conditions imposed on Chisinau, Russia aims to maintain the Republic of Moldova in its sphere of influence. At the same time, representatives of the government said the authorities are prepared for an eventual failure of the talks with Gazprom and are getting ready to purchase natural gas from alternative sources, IPN reports.
The representatives of the government noted that reserve scenarios are being planned in the eventuality of the talks with Russia’s gas giant failing given that the current contract with Gazprom expires in several days.
“We cannot accept a price higher than that offered by Gazprom to other countries that sign long-term contracts. This is unacceptable for us. Our Plan B is to make sure that we have gas from alternative sources, even if it’s more expensive. If the talks with Gazprom fail, the Government is ready to purchase gas from alternative sources. Moscow asks to repay particular debts that appeared in unclear conditions,” Radu Marian stated in the talk show “Black Box” on TV8 channel.
Valeriu Munteanu, the leader of the Save Bessarabia Union, said the authorities should ensure maximum transparency in the talks with Russia and should inform society about eventual concessions made to Moscow.
“I think 90% of the elements of the negotiations with Gazprom are political as Moscow does not care about the several tens of million dollars we will pay for gas. We expect maximum transparency from the government as regards the dialogue with Russia. We are sure that Moscow insists on elements that weaken the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. They want to make us pay Transnistria’s debt for gas. We saw awkward steps taken by the government. Putting out the Memorial Flame after becoming angry with the Russian Federation is not a mature step,” stated Valeriu Munteanu.
Energy experts said the multiple conditions imposed by Gazprom are aimed at punishing the Republic of Moldova for choosing the pro-European course.
“When a pro-Russian party was in power, there were no questions to the government as to the gas calculation formula or to debts. After a pro-European party came to power, Gazprom changed its attitude. It suddenly increased the prices for four times and imposed the stock exchange prices on us, on purpose. They tell us about insistent debts, place obstacles to the implementing of the Third Energy Package that means liberalization of the market and access to the network for other suppliers. But Gazprom wants to keep the monopoly. These things are aimed at keeping us in the sphere of influence of the Russian Federation,” stated Sergiu Tofilat.
After a state of emergency was declared, the state-owned company Energocom was mandated to stage tender contests to procure natural gas from the international market. According to the Public Property Agency, the fourth round of tender contests launched by Energocom to purchase 1.5 million cubic meters of natural gas was won by three companies. The Ukrainian company Natfogaz is a supplier and partner in ensuring the country’s energy security, alongside two European companies.
