Moldovan government is considering three scenarios related to Gazprom: gas supplies to Moldova cut by 35%, 50% and 100%.
Andrei Spinu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, said this at a press conference on Tuesday while speaking about possible risks. He recalled that almost all Europe is experiencing a difficult situation with gas supplies, while many countries face either limited or ceased supplies of Russian gas. Andrei Spinu said the government has analyzed all the potential risks and the three possible scenarios, scenarios in which gas supplies to Moldova could be cut by 35% or 50% or be ceased completely. He explained that Gazprom has not yet given an answer on the future of the contract and confirmation of gas volumes for Moldova. "Moldovagaz is in discussions with Gazprom to clarify the situation. "We hope that in August some clarity will be brought. We are ready for a dialogue with Gazprom," Deputy Prime Minister said. He acknowledged that keeping the contract with Gazprom and its formula would allow for a lower gas price in the fall and winter, because the formula would change the ratio of the peg to the oil basket and spot prices, which would be to Moldova's advantage. Andrei Spinu said Gazprom has not said anything yet about the volume of gas to be delivered and has not made its position clear about a possible cut of supplies. According to the Deputy Premier, in a situation when gas supplies to some EU countries have been suspended and reduced, Moldova is ready for any scenarios on behalf of Gazprom, especially as the supplier may give various reasons for breaking the contract, such as failure to sign an agreement on the payment of the historical debt due to the failure to audit it, etc. Andrei Spinu said that regardless of the decision of Gazprom, the authorities will take measures to reduce gas consumption by 15%, as well as diversify gas supply sources, replenish the reserves of fuel oil to be used by Termoelectrica for heat and electricity production. According to him, the first contract for the supply of fuel oil from Romania has already been signed. He did not name the exact volume of fuel to be purchased, because it is intended to replenish the state reserves. Deputy Prime Minister also said that next week the authorities will present an action plan on providing the population with firewood at affordable prices during the cold period. Coal imports will also be facilitated. // 02.08.2022 – InfoMarket
