The Russian company Gazprom violates the contracts and supplies to the Republic of Moldova only 70% of the agreed quantity of gas, said Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development. According to him, the Republic of Moldova pays for gas and Gazprom is obliged to supply the amount of gas stipulated in the contract, IPN reports.
“The transportation and storing of the necessary quantities, in accordance with the contract, are the responsibility of Gazprom. It is important that the citizens know the truth. The Republic of Moldova always paid for gas, including the advance. The small delays in payment are due to the huge rise in the price of natural gas,” stated the official.
According to him, Ukraine does not place any obstacle to the transportation of natural gas. Also, the debt owed to Gazprom can be assessed only by an independent audit company.
“The Republic of Moldova’s goal is to pay correct and real sums. The Republic of Moldova will not pay debts that do not belong to it. We repeat that Gazprom breaks the own commitments and looks for pretexts not to provide the Moldovans with gas ahead of winter,” said Andrei Spînu.
The Moldovan authorities on September 30 announced that Moldovagaz received confirmation from Gazprom for the supply of 5.7 million cubic meters of gas a day out of the necessary 8.06 million cubic meters a day (for both sides of the Nistru). The supplies were this way cut by 30%. Later, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, said that if Gazprom fulfills its contractual obligations, the amounts of gas needed by Moldovagaz can be secured through daily tender contests. For the purpose, Moldovagaz requested Gazprom to daily reserve additional volumes for both sides of the Nistru River during October 1-7. On October 3, the authorities announced that the joint stock company Energocom obtained a license from Romania’s Energy Regulatory Authority and can buy or sell natural gas on the market of Romania. Also, Energocom was registered on the Regional Booking Platform and can access gas storage facilities in Ukraine. For his part, Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă said that Romania can offer the Republic of Moldova 5 million cubic meters of gas a day but not more.
