Moldovan government has solutions to ensure energy security of country - deputy premier says

Chisinau, 20 April /MOLDPRES/- The Moldovan government has solutions to maintain energy security of the country, as well as viable options it will take in order to provide citizens with electricity and gas. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Andrei Spinu made the statement at a press conference today.

"Gazprom concern for the time being failed to give any reply to Chisinau authorities. Therefore, from 1 May the gas delivery is uncertain. In this context, seven international companies are ready to deliver gas to Moldova, including from Romania, Poland and the Netherlands, " he said.

The official said "after several letters sent by Moldovagaz and the ministry regarding the debt of the right bank of the Dniester, we have no answer so far, but by May 1 the volume of the debt and the method of payment should have been clarified."

"Regardless of Gazprom's response, we have prepared for any scenario. One of the measures is to amend the gas storage legislation. Several companies have applied and are ready to deliver gas for our country ", he said.

Spinu said that Moldova has stored 24 million cubic meters of gas for May. This volume is stored in transport system in Romania, as well as in our country. In total, Moldova needs about 45 million cubic meters.

"The need is 45 million cubic meters of gas, and to cover it we save. Termoelectrica works on fuel oil, so the need for gas drops to 32 million cubic meters. At the moment, we have 24 million cubic meters of gas in reserve, which covers 75% of consumption for May. In case of interruption of deliveries, Termoelectrica will buy gas from the market, or at present, the prices are decreasing ", he said.

At the same time, Spînu said “even if the contract with Gazprom offers a lower price, the difference is not significant. Prices are volatile. "

In March, Moldovagaz bought gas for $ 547 per thousand cubic meters. According to the head of Moldovagaz, Vadim Ceban, for April the purchase price of natural gas supplied by the Russian concern Gazprom to the Republic of Moldova increased to 1,193 dollars for one thousand cubic meters.

"We have solutions to stop gas supplies by the Russian side, especially since we have an experience of overcoming the energy crisis that we faced last autumn. In order to ensure this, the Government will take several measures in advance, because it is known that the sleigh must be prepared in the summer ", Spinu said.

Moldova could have difficulties with gas supply from May 1, when Gazprom could decide to stop the gas supply, as an audit of Moldovagaz's historical debts will not be possible before this date.

In late October 2021, Moldovagaz and Gazprom signed a five-year extension of the gas supply contract in the Republic of Moldova.