The gas needs in October were only 67% covered in Moldova. The pressure in the transportation system is close to the critical limit. Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița said she will go to Parliament to ask to declare a state of emergency so as to be able to derogate from particular procedures and laws in the purchase of gas from alternative sources. The official made the announcement in a press briefing in the morning of October 22, IPN reports.
Natalia Gavrilița said that a new round of talks on the contract for the supply of gas was held in Moscow yesterday. Even if things moved on, there is no yet final agreement and certainty that this will be ultimately reached.
As SA “Moldovagaz” cannot ensure the necessary pressure in natural gas networks, the authorities have to switch over to the alternative plan. “I want to warn the people that even if the government takes exceptional measures, this is only a technical solution that will enable to purchase the necessary volume of gas later today,” explained the Premier.
Natalia Gavrilița said that to make such a purchase, the Commission on Emergencies will have to be convened to examine the report on the gas situation and to take decisions. One of the decisions is to ask the Government and Parliament to declare a state of emergency. The commission will also suggest creating a command center at the General Inspectorate for Emergencies so as to coordinate the flow of information and to swiftly manage the situation.
Later, the Cabinet will come together to formulate the request to Parliament to declare a state of emergency. The Premier will go to Parliament to explain why a state of emergency is needed and, if the MPs accept the request, the Commission on Emergencies will be convened again. As a result, “Energocom” will be allocated funds for purchasing the necessary volumes of gas. The bid was already published.
Attending the news conference, Parliament Deputy Speaker Mihai Popșoi said that today the legislative body will consider offering the Government the instruments needed to promptly cope with the existing challenges. The majority parliamentary group of the Party of Action and Solidity will support the Government in its approaches as they fully trust their mates from the Cabinet. Parliament will continue work during the state of emergency even if plenary sessions will not be held. A consistent package of laws will be prepared so that all the proposals are ready for adoption when the state of emergency is lifted.
