The Kremlin expects continued contacts between Gazprom and Moldova

Contacts between Gazprom and Moldova must continue due to debts to the Russian company, said Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the republic’s refusal to purchase Russian gas.

“If I understand correctly, contacts between Gazprom and Moldova continue, especially since the Moldovan side has debts. There are debts, there is a dispute regarding the size of these debts, but this dialogue must continue,” Peskov said.

Peskov also warned Moldova about the volatility of the spot market in this regard.

“Yes, you can now buy gas on spot gas, which in the end will most likely turn out to be Russian in origin on the European market. It is possible that Moldova did this. But the spot market is such that today it may be cheaper than piped gas, but tomorrow it will be much more expensive than piped gas,” Peskov said.

The Kremlin representative found it difficult to answer the question of how gas supply to Transnistria would be carried out, recommending contacting the “Gazprom“

October 2, Minister of Energy of Moldova Viktor Parlikov announcedthat the country will no longer purchase gas from Gazprom for the “territory controlled by the constitutional authorities.” Parlikov noted that Moldova managed to find an alternative source for purchasing gas on the European market, and at a lower price than that specified in the contracts with Gazprom.

Earlier, Gazprom reported that Moldovagaz’s debt for gas supplied amounted to $433 million, and taking into account late payments – $709 million. On September 6, the Ministry of Energy of Moldova reported that the government of the republic, based on the results of an audit of Moldovagaz’s debt to Gazprom, considers it appropriate pay only $8.6 million out of a total debt of $709 million and proposes to Gazprom to write off the remaining amount. The Ministry of Energy did not explain why this particular amount was offered for payment.