Moldova and Romania confirmed the objective of initiating the construction of the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline this August. Technical aspects regarding the documents needed to begin the construction works were examined in Chisinau on May 24, IPN reports.

The sides discussed the signing of a memorandum of understanding concerning the tender to carry out building works under the Prut and the methods of disbursing €9 million from the grant offered by Romania for constructing the segment of the pipeline crossing Moldova’s territory.

“Our wish is to complete the construction works on the gas pipeline by the end of this year. Afterward, based on a schedule agreed in concert, we will build the compressors station, which will ensure pressure in the pipeline so that we use its capacity to full extent,” said Constantin Nita, Energy Minister delegate of Romania.

Acting Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Lazar said that the Moldovan side announced the tender contest to select the entrepreneur that will build the gas pipeline on Moldova’s territory. The deadline for the presentation of bids is July 22. The official told the journalists that they also discussed the construction, at the final stage, of an extension to Straseni, from where the gas will reach Chisinau, which is the largest consumer.

During the visit of the Romanian minister to Chisinau, there was signed a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Economy of Moldova and the National Agency for Material Reserves of Romania, which manages the construction of the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline, and a memorandum of understanding between the Institute for Studies and Power Engineering of Bucharest (ISPE) and the Technology, Design and Research Institute “Energoproiect” of Moldova.