Moldova to conduct its first inventory of natural gas distribution networks
A joint order from the Ministries of Energy and Finance provides for the implementation of a pilot project covering one rural and one urban settlement, where a methodology for accounting for and managing gas networks owned by third parties or without an owner but operated by Moldovagaz will be tested. Based on the experience gained, it is planned to extend the practice at the national level. According to Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, for more than 30 years, gas networks in the country have developed in a fragmented manner: through investments by the state, private companies, and contributions from citizens themselves. This has expanded access to gas, but at the same time has created legal and technical problems, as well as uncertainty regarding investments in modernization and safety. The new management concept establishes clear rules for the first time: who is responsible for operation, who invests, and who is responsible for the reliability of supplies. Currently, Moldova has 25,800 km of gas networks, of which about 35% belong to enterprises, more than 60% are transferred to operators for technical maintenance, and about 4.4% are considered ownerless. At the same time, companies do not have the right to invest in the overhaul or depreciation of such facilities. The developed concept has already formed the basis of new regulations, and the pilot project will serve as a test before its implementation throughout the country. The project was prepared with the support of the Soros Foundation - Moldova, which has been financing technical assistance in creating a legal and institutional framework for gas network management since 2023. Currently, gas transportation in Moldova is handled by Vestmoldtransgaz, and distribution by 19 licensed operators, 12 of which are affiliated with Moldovagaz. It is noted that of the natural gas distribution networks transferred to Moldovagaz and its subsidiaries for maintenance, 44.9% (6,643.2 km) are owned by individuals; 41.9% (6,200.2 km) are owned by local authorities; 13.3% (1,963.3 km) are owned by legal entities; 7.9% (1,173.9 km) are serviced without a contract, including 300 km of ownerless networks. After hearing the report of the Court of Accounts on the natural gas system, the parliament instructed the Ministry of Energy to develop a concept for managing natural gas networks not owned by Moldovagaz and to submit proposals to the government regarding the form of management and the organization that will manage these gas pipelines. In this regard, the Ministry of Energy developed a concept and presented the proposed forms of management to the government, and in order to determine the effectiveness of the proposed forms, it was decided to promote a pilot project that will identify and implement the most viable solutions applicable to the natural gas infrastructure in Moldova. // 29.08.2025 — InfoMarket
