Balti – Ungheni gas pipeline to be ready next spring

The high-pressure natural gas pipeline from Balti to Ungheni, with a total length of 126 km, will be put in commission in spring 2009, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from the Economy and Trade Ministry (ETM). The construction started in May 2008. 25 km have been built this summer, from Balti to the borderline between Sangerei and Falesti districts. 62 km will be build till the end of the year. The pipe will supply natural gas to 250 localities in the districts of Sangerei, Telenesti, Falesti and Ungheni. The local authorities are urged start developing the blueprints for building the gas grids in villages, what may allow for immediate connection to the pipe on its completion. The National Energy Regulator (ANRE) approved the connection charge within localities 2,970 lei, on 15 July, 2008. The Balti – Ungheni pipeline is the second most important in Moldova, after the Tocuz-Mereni-Cainari pipe. Its budget amounts to 250 million lei. Over 900 localities are connected to the natural gas pipe in Moldova now, out of 1,520, what it is 60% from the total.