The leader of the Party of Socialists Igor Dodon said that ahead of a new heating season, the new administration of Moldova is unwilling to deal with energy-related issues at a time when the price of gas continues to hit new highs, IPN reports.

According to Dodon, gas futures on the European market rose by 10% to US$950.

“Hungary and Serbia, if we do not take into account Belarus, can serve as an example of countries whose administration had talks with “Gazprom” during the last few weeks and signed advantageous agreements on the supply of gas for the citizens of these countries,” stated Igor Dodon.

President Maia Sandu in a TV program said the legislation provides that SA “Moldovagaz” is responsible for the commercial and contractual relations and she does not think that a better price will be negotiated if the Government becomes involved as there is an established formula and a market price, while the price at which Moldova will purchase gas depends on the prices at international level.

According to foreign press reports, European natural gas futures surged to record highs as the amount of Russian gas flowing into Europe through a key entry point dipped, crimping supplies in an already tight market. With European stockpiles about 20% below the seasonal average just weeks before the heating season, traders are focused on Europe-bound supply routes for Russian gas and winter demand, said Julien Hoarau, head of Paris-based consultant Engie EnergyScan. Europe will face a very tight winter and an extreme weather event could push prices over 100 euros per megawatt-hour, he said.