**Transnistrian Residents Urged to Use Wood for Heating Amid Gas Shortage**
The head of the Russia-led breakaway region in Moldova, Vadim Krasnoselsky, has asked residents to heat their homes with wood instead of gas. This comes as the region faces a severe energy crisis due to a gas shortage.
**Gas Supplies Halted**
Gazprom, Russia’s state-controlled energy company, halted gas deliveries to Moldova on January 1. The suspension was reportedly due to unpaid debts by Moldovagaz, but Moldovan officials dispute this claim.
**Impact on Transnistria**
As a result of the gas shortage, nearly 72,000 homes in Transnistria are without gas. Some 1,500 high-rise buildings are also without heating and hot water. The region’s authorities have rejected earlier offers from Chisinau to help purchase gas via European platforms.
**Krasnoselsky’s Message**
Krasnoselsky said that the region is rich in wood and has stocks available. He encouraged residents to use solid fuel for heating, adding that firewood will be delivered free of charge to those who cannot afford it.
**Russian Dependence on Transnistria**
The region is heavily dependent on Russian gas due to Russia’s military presence there since the early 1990s. The suspension of gas supplies has sparked fears of industrial collapse in Transnistria.
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