In Moldova, the deputy prime minister announced that the country will now import a large part of its gas from Slovakia.
A significant reduction in Russian gas
Moldova imports natural gas from Slovakia, obtaining for the first time pumped volumes from west to east. According to Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister, Andrei Spinu, these imports demonstrate the country’s ability to obtain supplies from outside Russia. Indeed, Chișinău has been facing increasing supply problems for several months.
The former Soviet country depends on Russian natural gas supplied by Gazprom. However, since the beginning of the year, Moldova has had to make up for a 40% reduction in Russian deliveries. Thus, this reduction affects its ability to provide sufficient electricity to its 2.5 million inhabitants.
Solidarity put to the test
Andrei Spinu reports that Energocom has just acquired 5 million cubic meters of gas in Budnice, Slovakia. In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomes this step as a step towards greater energy independence. Thus, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu, states:
“What, at first glance, should have destroyed us has instead made us stronger. By acting in solidarity and saving money, we will get through this winter and come out of it with our heads held high, even stronger, and energy self-sufficient.”
Moldova, led by a pro-Western government, has denounced Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine since February 24. Moldova’s contract with Gazprom fluctuates according to the spot market price of gas and oil. Gazprom reduces natural gas supply to 5.7 million cubic meters per day from October 1.
