If Gazprom suspends the contract with Moldovagaz, there are solutions that can be implemented to supply the Republic of Moldova with natural gas and electrical energy after May 1, said Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development. He noted that effort is being made for the impact on prices to be as low as possible. “I want to assure you, dear citizens, that no matter how the situation on the energy market develops, the Republic of Moldova will be supplied with natural gas and electricity,” Andrei Spînu stated in a news conference, being quoted by IPN.
The minister said that no answer has been yet received to the letters sent by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development and Moldovagaz to Gazprom, referring to the extension of the time limit for planning the repaying of the historical debt for the gas supplied to the right bank of the Nistru. “Regrettably, the audit could not be performed and the Moldovan-Russian economic commission didn’t have a meeting, but the two actions were necessary for planning the payment of the debt,” stated Andrei Spînu.
Therefore, the authorities are preparing solutions for any situation. The legislation was amended so as to introduce the obligation to store natural gas. A sum of €150 million borrowed from the EBRD was allocated for creating natural gas reserves this summer. With the assistance of the foreign partners, Energocom is getting ready to enter international markets. Seven serious companies with experience are ready to supply Moldova with gas.
“For May, we have alternatives to the natural gas supplies. We have 24 million cubic meters of natural gas stored in the transport system of Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The right bank of the Nistru needs 45 million cubic meters of gas for May,” said the official.
Andrei Spînu noted that if the gas supplies are interrupted by the Russian side, Energocom will purchase natural gas from the market as it already has such an experience following the gas crisis of last October. The instability and unpredictability of prices also influence the situation.
He also referred to the supply of electrical energy, saying that if Gazprom halts the supply of natural gas from May 1, the Kuchurgan Power Plant will also be unable to supply the right bank with power. Energocom is getting ready to purchase electrical energy in a centralized way. A tender contest was announced and bids are awaited until April 22.
