Moldova's Energocom and Romania's OMV Petrom Gas signed an agreement providing for natural gas supply from Romania, in a ceremony today attended by Moldovan acting Deputy Minister Andrian Candu and Cristian Turcanu, Deputy Head of the Romanian Embassy.

Andrian Candu stated this was an important step towards fortifying Moldova's energy security.

“We are grateful and thank the Romanian Government for their support and for making this important alternative possible for our country”, stated Candu.

The agreement, taking effect on 1 January 2015, indicates a price of 1,010 Romanian lei, or $276.6 per 1,000 cu.m. Initially, small amounts will be supplied through the recently built Iasi-Ungheni pipeline, and once the system is fully tested, the contract will be adjusted for greater amounts.

“This is a flexible contract. Amounts can be ordered on a monthly basis by means of annexes. In the second or third quarter of 2015, we will start extending the pipeline from Ungheni to Chisinau and the capacities will be different. Then we'll talk other amounts and maybe other prices, too”, said Candu.

The 43.2 km long Iasi-Ungheni pipeline has a capacity of 1.5 billion cu.m. and cost 26 million euros to build. Of that, 7 million euros was granted by the European Union.