An energy crisis in the Transnistrian region will not suddenly break out. If Gazprom interrupts gas supplies, coal stocks can be used and the Dubasari power plant can partially cover the region's electricity needs, said deputy prime minister for reintegration, Oleg Serebrian. The official says that the Chisinau authorities will offer support to citizens living on the left bank of the Dniester, IPN reports.
According to the deputy prime minister, a possible halt in gas deliveries would be an attempt to dent the image of the Chisinau government ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections. "This is an orchestrated political show", Oleg Serebrian told Radio Moldova's "La 360 de grade" program.
"But it is also a way to demonstrate to Georgia, Armenia, that those who go hand in hand with Europe end up in such situations", Oleg Serebrian added.
The authorities in Chisinau are in permanent dialog with the European Union, diplomatic missions and international institutions with a view to receiving humanitarian aid for the inhabitants of the left bank of the Dniester.
In the event of a crisis, it will not be provoked instantly, says Serebrian. Reactions can be adjusted, but worst-case scenarios must also be taken into account. The priority will be to support vulnerable people.
"We are examining the possibility that certain categories of very vulnerable citizens on the left side, those in intensive care, children in asylum, because they still have children in asylum, could be taken to the right side of the Dniester and assisted", said Oleg Serebrian.
A state of emergency in the energy sector came into force in Moldova on December 16. The state of emergency allows the Exceptional Situations Commission to rationalize electricity consumption if necessary. A special regime for the purchase of gas and electricity and the simplified allocation of money for these purchases can also be applied.
On December 31, the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine expires. For the time being, it remains uncertain whether and how Gazprom will honor its obligations to deliver gas to the Transnistrian region from January 1.
