A number of 87 large enterprises in the Republic of Moldova buy gas exclusively on the free market, at negotiated prices, IPN reports.
According to the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, by the end of 2024, large companies had the right to conclude supply contracts at regulated tariffs with suppliers.
"Practically throughout 2023, our country consumed natural gas purchased on European markets," noted the Ministry of Energy. Thus, around US$60 million were saved, which would not have been possible if the gas had been purchased according to the existing contract with Gazprom.
As drom 1 January 2025, large companies can conclude new contracts on the open market, through direct negotiations with suppliers or through trading platforms. By the end of 2026, medium-sized enterprises have the right to request the signing of gas supply contracts, under regulated conditions, with suppliers that ensure deliveries to particular categories of final consumers in the context of the public service obligation.
In 2023, there were only 27 enterprises on the free market. During a year, 60 companies made the decision to switch to the free gas market, thus developing the natural gas market in the country.
