The agreement enabling the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Moldova and further to Europe expires at the end of 2024 and chances are it won’t be extended, says Valeriu Chiveri, Moldova’s ambassador to Ukraine.
According to the diplomat, such a scenario will affect Moldova, as Russian gas will no longer reach the Kuchurgan Power Plant, which provides a large part of the electricity needed for the right bank at a reduced price. At the same time, the diplomat is confident that the Moldovan authorities will identify solutions to provide the country with gas and electricity.
The possibility that the transit deal might not be extended past 2024 was announced by Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. Ambassador Chiveri confirms the possibility is being discussed more and more often in Kyiv.
“We need to bear in mind that the Kuchurgan Power Plant relies on Russian gas. Chances are that the transit of natural gas from Russia to Moldova and Europe will be halted and the agreement will be discontinued from the end of 2024. Today we enjoy lower prices for the electricity we buy from Kuchurgan, but if the transit agreement isn’t extended, Moldova will be affected. The Ministry of Energy is examining different scenarios and I am sure that it will find ways to provide Moldova with both gas and electricity”, Valeriu Chiveri said during a program on Vocea Bassarabiei.
According to the diplomat, the Ukrainian authorities were repeatedly asked why they continue to accept Russian gas transiting their country, and the answer was that Kyiv is waiting for the contracts between Gazprom and the European operators to expire.
“There are operators in Europe that have gas delivery contracts with Gazprom, and Ukraine is a country that respects the fulfillment of these contracts, and for these reasons the transit of natural gas has not yet been halted. I understand this may sound puzzling for many. Especially since Ukraine demands that all those supporting it cut off any communication and any economic ties with Russia, all the while accepting Russian gas transit through its own territory. But their explanation is this. And besides, I guess that the financial benefits are not negligible either”, said Valeriu Chiveri.
