Starting with 2025, Ukraine will stop the transit of Russian gas through its territory and the Transnistrian region can remain without methane as a result. The authorities in Chisinau are preparing to manage possible disruptions in gas supplies following Ukraine’s decision to stop the transit of Russian gas, ensuring that the impact on the consumers on both banks of the Nistru River is minimized, Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov stated in the program “Political Studio” on Vocea Basarabiei station, IPN reports.
The official explained the complexity of the issue and the responsibilities involved. “These options are also known and I have even spoken publicly about them, but specialists in the field know them best. And I repeat, this is the task first of all of Moldovagaz and Gazprom, to find a solution, because it is not the contract of the Government. It is the contract of Moldovagaz with Gazprom, stated Victor Parlicov.
“Gazprom” undertook to deliver gas to the Republic of Moldova until 2026. Although deliveries will no longer be possible through the border point with Ukraine and the Transnistrian region in Grebenki, there are alternative technical solutions. One of them is to transport Russian gas through Turkey and then through trans-Balkan pipelines to the Republic of Moldova. However, it is not clear who will bear the shipping costs.
“So, certainly, not the consumers on the right bank, or Gazprom or the consumers on the left bank of the Nistru must assume these expenses. If those who are on the left bank assume these costs, I don’t see any problem,” said the minister.
Victor Parlicov stressed that the Government will closely monitor the implementation of the contract with Gazprom in order to avoid any risks of interruption of gas supplies. “If we see that there are imminent risks of a halt in supplies due to other partners or to Gazprom, we will have to intervene and prepare for the worst-case scenario,” added the minister.
In another development, the official referred to the competition to choose the four members who are appointed by the Moldovan authorities to the Board of Directors of Moldovagaz. According to him, although Vadim Ceban could be appointed again as president of Moldovagaz, it is essential to have more candidates taking part in the selection process. “I would like more people to participate. There are people who have experience in this field and not only from Moldova. I would like a robust competition in this contest,” stated Minister Parlicov.
