Gas for the Transnistrian region, purchased by Moldovagaz on the Romanian Commodities Exchange
Moldovagaz has purchased natural gas from the Romanian Commodities Exchange to ensure reliable deliveries to the Transnistrian region. According to a company statement, about 2.6 million cubic meters of gas were purchased with advance payments made by Tiraspoltransgaz. The delivery is scheduled for today, February 12, to consumers located on the left bank of the Nistru.
This transaction occurs under the order of the Commission for Emergencies (CSE), which mandates that Moldovagaz sell 2 million cubic meters of gas to Tiraspoltransgaz on February 11 and 12, while also borrowing an additional 3 million cubic meters.
What happens on February 13?
The Hungarian company MET Group has confirmed its readiness to supply natural gas to the Republic of Moldova, but this delivery is contingent upon the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine permitting the transit. This operator has informed Teleradio-Moldova that negotiations with MET are ongoing.
Following the refusal of the Tiraspol administration to accept 60 million euros in European aid, the Government of the Republic of Moldova adopted a temporary exemption from current legislation, allowing gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region via a European trader. According to the CSE's decision, starting February 13, Tiraspol will receive 3 million cubic meters of gas daily, with any additional volume subject to taxation by the Chisinau authorities.
The gas deliveries will be managed by MET Gas and Energy Marketing AG, an active trader in the European gas market, and paid for by JNX General Trading L.L.C., based in Dubai. The gas will be transported to the border of the Republic of Moldova and then transferred to the Transnistrian region through an agreement between Moldovagaz and Tiraspoltransgaz.
Background: The gas crisis in the Transnistrian region
The energy crisis in the region commenced on January 1, 2025, when Gazprom ceased all natural gas supplies to the Republic of Moldova, significantly impacting the left bank of the Nistru, where the separatist authorities had previously received free gas from Russia.
On January 27, Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced that the European Union is providing Moldova with an emergency grant of 30 million euros for natural gas purchases. The Government also approved a loan of 3 million cubic meters of gas to the Transnistrian region to sustain necessary pipeline pressure until January 31.
From February 1 to February 10, gas purchased through the European grant was delivered to the region to meet the population's needs and to support electricity production at the Cuciurgan Power Plant.
