**Transnistria Eases Blackouts Amid Gas Shortage**
The authorities in Moldova’s Russian-controlled region of Transnistria have announced that energy-saving measures will allow them to ease restrictions caused by a halt of Russian gas supplies. The duration of rolling blackouts is set to decrease further.
**Energy Crisis in Transnistria**
Transnistria, a Russian-occupied region since the Soviet Union’s collapse, has historically relied on Russian gas transported via Ukraine. However, due to the energy crisis, the region has faced industrial collapse and widespread power outages and heating failures.
**Gazprom Halt Gas Deliveries**
The Russian state energy company Gazprom halted gas deliveries to Moldova on January 1, as Ukraine declined to extend a gas transit agreement into 2025. This triggered an energy emergency in Transnistria.
**Self-Declared Authorities Report Progress**
Transnistria’s Russian-installed officials reported that rolling blackouts, initially lasting eight hours earlier this week, were cut to five hours on January 10 and would be reduced to three hours on Sunday. They claimed that with current super efficiencies in consumption, Transnistria has enough gas until the end of January.
**Moldova’s Central Government Reacts**
The Moldovan government, however, criticized Moscow’s role in the crisis, saying Russia uses energy as a political weapon. “Every time that Russia wants to show its might, it cuts off vital resources and turns people into hostages,” said Daniel Voda, press secretary for Moldova’s central government.
**Assistance Offered**
Although the Moldovan government has offered assistance to help Transnistria address its energy shortages, the region’s leadership denies receiving any formal proposals.