On Saturday, Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom announced it would stop gas supplies to Moldova starting January 1 due to an alleged unpaid debt by the European Union candidate country. In response, Moldova has implemented emergency measures to prepare for potential power cuts.
Gazprom stated in an online release that it may take further actions, including terminating its contract with Moldovagaz, the main gas operator in Moldova, of which the Russian company holds a majority stake. This decision to cut off gas will impact the Kuciurgan power plant, the largest in the country, located in the separatist pro-Russian Transnistria region.
Moldova has accused Moscow of weaponizing energy supplies in response to Gazprom’s move. The Kuciurgan plant, which supplies a significant portion of Moldova’s electricity, was privatized in 2004 by Transnistrian officials and later sold to a Russian state-owned company. Moldova, with a pro-Western government, disputes the privatization and has expressed concerns over Russian interference.
To address the potential energy crisis, Moldova’s parliament has approved a state of emergency in the energy sector and set up a commission to manage risks if gas supplies from Russia are disrupted. Gazprom claims Moldova owes around $709 million for past gas supplies, a figure contested by the Moldovan government, which argues the debt is much lower.
Moldova’s Prime Minister has rejected Gazprom’s claims, citing international audits that dispute the debt amount. The government is exploring legal options, including international arbitration, to protect the country’s interests. Measures to reduce energy consumption, such as limiting lighting in public buildings and shifting energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours, will be implemented from January 1.
Moldova, previously reliant on Russian gas, has been working to diversify its energy sources. Recent events, including power outages in late 2022 following Russian strikes on Ukraine, have highlighted the country’s vulnerability and the need for energy independence. Moldova’s efforts to strengthen ties with the EU have faced challenges due to alleged Russian interference, a claim Moscow denies.
Moldova. Russia cut off most natural gas supplies to Europe in 2022, citing disputes over payment in rubles, a move European leaders described as energy blackmail over their support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. European governments had to scramble to line up alternative supplies at higher prices, much of it liquefied natural gas brought by ship from the U.S. and Qatar.
Associated Press writer Stephen McGrath contributed from Warwick, England.
