The head of “Moldovagaz” sees no reason to abandon the gas contract with Russia

Vadim Cheban, Chairman of the Board of JSC Moldovagaz, believes that there are no grounds for terminating the agreement with Gazprom on gas supplies to Moldova. Earlier today, the head of the Moldovan parliamentary commission on economy, budget and finance, Dimitri Alaiba, expressed hope that the country would change its exporter from 2023.

“The contract between JSC Moldovagaz and PJSC Gazprom for the supply of natural gas is for five years. Its termination can only be conditioned by predetermined norms and in accordance with certain procedures. According to the rules of the republic’s energy market, suppliers and consumers have the right to change the main supplier if its conditions are more attractive than those of Gazprom’s supply,” Mr. Cheban wrote in Telegram channel.

Earlier, Mr. Alaiba suggested that the republic would be able to do without a Russian supplier. “I know this is the last winter the Kremlin will be able to blackmail us with energy. From 2023, farewell, Gazprom! We just need to finish what we started. And we will be fine,” the deputy wrote on Facebook (owned by Meta, recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation).

November 8, Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova, Minister of Infrastructure Andrei Spinu admitted the possibility of imposing sanctions against Gazprom for incomplete gas supplies. According to Mr. Spinu, the country will make decisions when “it becomes clear in which direction to move.” The authorities of Transnistria also considerthat the Russian company violated the contract.

Gazprom and Moldovagaz (50% owned by Gazprom) extended the gas contract in October 2021. Gazprom stated that a reduction in the volume of gas supplies is possible if Moldova does not pay its debts on time. In October, Chisinau announced a 30% decrease in exports; in November, the Russian company will send 51% of the volume of gas agreed under the contract.

About the situation – in the material “Kommersant” “An austerity regime came to power in Moldova”.

Polina Sobakina