The National Commission on Emergencies today declared a state of alert in the natural gas sector. “This is to prevent the occurrence of an emergency and to be prepared for any scenario. And so as the relevant agencies can take concrete measures to protect people and the country’s energy security”, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu told a press conference after the Commission’s meeting.
The authorities discussed with managers of key energy companies, including Moldovagaz, Termoelectrica, Moldelectrica, Energocom, the co-generation plants – to identify the steps to be taken. The Commission also discussed a number of measures to protect consumers and ensure gas supply.
Andrei Spînu noted that the current energy crisis is a reflection of a global phenomenon. “It's a situation that hasn't happened in decades.” “The situation related to gas supply and gas prices globally sees unprecedented developments, with a major impact on all stakeholders: authorities, distributors, gas suppliers and especially consumers. There are difficulties everywhere in terms of gas supply and prices, which have reached extremely high levels on international markets”, noted the deputy prime minister.
Spînu reiterated that the Government will provide compensatory measures for domestic and corporate gas consumers in order to mitigate the impact of a possible increase in gas prices. It was decided to set up a working group in several institutions, which will take the necessary steps to help pay natural gas bills, provide social assistance during the cold period and other types of aid, including the provision of wood or coal during this period.
Andrei Spînu added that the Commission adopted a decision to use fuel oil from the state reserves so as to reduce gas consumption at Termoelectrica. The use of fuel oil started today and will continue in the coming days. The current reserves are enough to generate heat and electricity for about a month.
“The decision was also taken to impose task Energocom with purchasing natural gas on the markets of Ukraine and Romania. Energocom has been mandated to start the procedure as soon as possible”, said Spînu. He reiterated that negotiations are still underway to reach a new, “good” deal with Gazprom.
“We are going through a tough period, but I am convinced that together we will overcome it. And we, as state institutions, will do everything possible so that the situation does not dramatically affect the country's citizens ", stated Spînu.
