The discussions on the supply of gas by Gazprom to the Republic of Moldova are thorny and no favorable result for Moldova has been achieved so far. The discussions will continue with Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller in St. Petersburg on October 27 and will involve Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, IPN reports.
According to Andrei Spînu, the discussions on the commercial gas for the debt accumulated since 1994 will be continued in St Petersburg. Moldova’s position will remain unchanged – that an independent audit of the gas debt is needed before signing any kind of agreement.
They will also discuss the price of gas. They want a fair price based on a formula similar to that used in the case of other states with which Gazprom signed long-term contracts. Moldova proposed the stock exchange price for annual contracts or a mixt formula that will take into account both the stock exchange price and oil quotations.
“The Government wants the best price for the Moldovans. The Government, Parliament and the Presidential Office work together for our country to have natural gas and to overcome this crisis with dignity,” stated Andrei Spînu.
Answering journalists’ questions, the official said Energocom is making an alternative purchase of natural gas by an international tender contest so as to increase pressure in the transportation system. Andrei Spînu didn’t say in what conditions gas will be supplied to the Transnistrian region after November 1 if Russia halts the supply of gas to the Republic of Moldova. He only said that he will provide more details when he returns from St. Petersburg.