Russian energy giant Gazprom has officially announced it will cease gas supplies to the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria starting 1 January 2025. The decision, attributed to “non-fulfilment of payment obligations,” marks a significant escalation in the region’s energy crisis.
Official Statement and Contract Implications
Gazprom confirmed the decision in a press release issued on 28 December. According to the statement, the company has formally notified Moldovagaz of its intention to suspend gas deliveries. The Russian firm accused Moldovagaz of “regularly failing to meet its payment obligations under the current contract,” which it described as a “significant breach” of the terms.
The suspension, set to take effect at 8:00 am Moscow time on New Year’s Day, will reduce gas supplies to Moldova to zero cubic metres per day. Gazprom stated that the suspension would remain in force until further notice and reserved the right to unilaterally terminate the contract and seek compensation for damages incurred.
Moldovan Response
Vadim Ceban, acting head of Moldovagaz, acknowledged the notification and confirmed the company’s awareness of the situation. He highlighted that since December 2022, all Russian gas supplied to Moldova has been directed to the Transnistrian region. Gas for the right bank of the Dniester River, which constitutes the rest of Moldova, has been procured from regional and European markets.
Ceban reassured the public that Moldovagaz has secured sufficient gas volumes to meet the right bank’s energy needs through March 2025. He added that the company would continue to monitor developments closely.
Background and Current Dynamics
Moldova’s existing gas supply agreement with Gazprom runs until October 2026. However, since autumn 2022, Gazprom has significantly reduced its deliveries to Moldova, supplying just 5.7 million cubic metres per day—far below the country’s winter consumption levels.
As a result, all Russian gas entering Moldova has been allocated to Transnistria. The breakaway region uses the gas primarily for electricity generation at the Moldavskaya GRES power plant, with the remainder distributed for domestic needs.
Complicating matters further, Moldova does not recognise Transnistria’s debts to Gazprom and has no intention of covering them. This stance, reiterated by Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, underscores a broader geopolitical dimension to the dispute.
Broader Energy Challenges
Moldova has been grappling with an energy crisis since Ukraine announced it would not extend its transit contract for Russian gas to Europe, which expires on 1 January 2025. The impending halt to Ukrainian transit has prompted Moldova to declare a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector.
One alternative route for Russian gas supplies to Moldova is the Trans-Balkan pipeline via Turkey. However, as Gazprom’s decision is officially based on non-payment rather than transit issues, this option remains uncertain.
Geopolitical Implications
The situation highlights the complex dynamics of the Transnistrian conflict, which has long served as a flashpoint in Moldova-Russia relations. With Chisinau unwilling to accept responsibility for Transnistria’s debts, the prospects for resolving the current crisis appear slim.
The energy standoff also aligns with broader regional tensions, particularly as Moldova continues to deepen its ties with the European Union. The cessation of Russian gas supplies to Transnistria could further strain relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol, complicating efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement.
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