In the eventuality of the negotiations on a new contract with Gazprom failing, Romania will not abandon the Republic of Moldova and will help it overcome the energy crisis, assured Romanian MEPs Eugen Tomac and Rareș Bogdan, who are in Chisinau on an official visit. The Romanian MEPs said that Bucharest is looking for solutions to offer the Republic of Moldova crude oil and is considering technical possibilities for supplying natural gas through the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline, IPN reports.
According to the Romanian officials, Romania will not abandon the Republic of Moldova in winter if the discussions with Gazprom reach a deadlock and the country faces a real natural gas crisis.
‘The whole Europe is going through this energy crisis. It is a crisis with a lot of undertones, with economic and political interests. We must say it directly – Russia manipulated considerably with the price of gas, exerting incredible pressure on all the states that purchase gas from it. The citizens must know that in crisis situations, the Republic of Moldova will not remain alone. Romania is ready to share what it has with the Republic of Moldova so that we together overcome this winter,” Eugen Tomac stated in the program “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.
According to the Romanian MEPs, Romania is examining the possibility of offering important quantities of crude oil and of delivering natural gas to the Republic of Moldova through the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline that became fully operational two weeks ago.
“We had discussions with the Minister of Energy of Romania Virgil Popescu so that Romania directly supports the Republic of Moldova given the harsh negotiations held now in the Eastern area. If the discussions fail, Romania will stand ready to help the Republic of Moldova with gas through the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline and also with crude oil. We also talked to Romanian investors that want to cross the Prut now that there is a new government in Chisinau,” stated Rareș Bogdan.
The Commission for Exceptional Situations two days ago declared a state of alert in the energy sector following the difficulties faced in the negotiations on a new contract for the purchase of gas held with the Russian gas giant Gazprom. The previous contract was extended for October and Moldova now pays US$790 per 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas.
