Alexandru Morcov, Chief of Staff for the Minister of Energy, stated that the Ministry has prepared and accounted for all scenarios related to the country’s energy security. According to Morcov, both natural gas and electricity will be available, though the cost of these resources will depend on the scenario that unfolds. In case of higher costs, the government is prepared to increase energy compensation for the population. These statements were made during the public debate “The Energy System of the Republic of Moldova: Between Economy and Politics. The Energy Crisis as a Factor of Social Conflict and Scenarios for its Resolution”, organized by IPN News Agency.
Regarding gas supplies, Morcov mentioned that if the transit through Ukraine is halted as of January 1, there are alternatives available, including the technical capability to deliver gas to the left bank of the Dniester. He assured that the Ministry of Energy is ready for any scenario, with data already presented to the Prime Minister and other decision-makers. Morcov highlighted that the Transnistrian region's issues are not solely about energy but are interconnected with other factors. However, he noted that relying solely on the state budget without the involvement of Moldova's development partners would make addressing the crisis exceedingly difficult.
The Chief of Staff also pointed out that Russia has consistently used gas supplies to the left bank of the Dniester as a pressure tool, including to create economic destabilization on the right bank, especially considering that 2025 is an election year. According to him, there is a deliberate intent to cause economic destabilization to foster the impression that development in Moldova is impossible without Russian gas.
Morcov emphasized that consumers must understand that there is no such thing as free or cheap natural gas.
Returning to gas supplies for the left bank, the official stressed the importance of understanding how the Transnistrian region's budget is structured. Half of it comes from payments received for electricity production using free gas supplied by Russia. Morcov noted that residents of the left bank need to realize that if this free gas is no longer available, it will need to be paid for.
He also indicated that maintaining the current tariff policy will be challenging, if not impossible. Therefore, financial support for tariff adjustments will be necessary to prevent the population on the left bank—who are also citizens of Moldova—from facing severe difficulties.
The public debate “The Energy System of the Republic of Moldova: Between Economy and Politics. The Energy Crisis as a Factor of Social Conflict and Scenarios for its Resolution” is part of the project “IPN News Agency for Social Cohesion and a Pro-European Moldova”, funded by IMS.
