Moldova to Send Gas to Transnistria
Moldova will send 3 million cubic meters of gas to the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria on February 1. This decision was made under an agreement signed earlier in the week.
The gas will be delivered as a loan, which must be repaid by March 1, 2025. Moldovagaz head Vadim Cheban said that the gas is intended to maintain pipeline pressure, not provide heating for residents.
Transnistria’s leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, described the supply as “technical assistance.” He also accused Chisinau of delaying the arrival of EU-funded gas and urged the European Commission president to intervene.
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced an EU financial aid package of 64 million euros ($66.3 million) to address the energy crisis. The package includes 20 million euros ($20.7 million) for gas supplies to Transnistria.
Russia‘s state-controlled energy giant Gazprom halted gas supplies to Moldova on January 1. This was due to Moldova’s alleged unpaid debts, according to Gazprom. However, the actual reason is disputed.
The gas suspension has led to widespread power outages in Transnistria, pushing the region toward industrial collapse. The region is dependent on Russian supplies, while the rest of the country has pivoted towards European sellers.
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