Dmitri Torner: "Diversification and reliability – the key to the independence and energy security of the Republic of Moldova"
What is the impact of the cancellation of the license of Moldvagaz and the institutionalization of Energocom - analysis provided by Dmitri Torner, investor, energy expert, politician.
ANRE has made a major change in the energy sector by canceling the Moldovagaz license and transferring gas supply to Energocom
Because natural gas procurement has been redirected through Energocom, consumer prices are now aligned with the European market, thereby removing the supplementary costs that were previously imposed by Gazprom. While this change does not lead to an immediate reduction in tariffs, it effectively eliminates political leverage over pricing and provides greater protection for consumers against market volatility.
At the end of 2023, the average purchase price of natural gas acquired by Energocom on the European market amounted to approximately 35.77 EUR per MWh, which corresponds to around 420 USD per 1,000 cubic meters. In contrast, under the contractual terms with “Gazprom” during the same period, the price reached approximately 700 USD per 1,000 cubic meters. This divergence demonstrates that the cessation of Russian gas imports has already mitigated the risk of a substantial price escalation.
In July 2025, the Republic of Moldova secured a loan of 400 million EUR from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The purpose of this financing is to facilitate the procurement of natural gas and electricity for the winter season, thereby enhancing the state’s capacity to ensure both flexibility and energy security.
It is evident that the recent decision of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) will not immediately translate into reduced tariffs for consumers. From this point forward, prices will directly reflect the dynamics of the European energy market. For the winter of 2025–2026, household gas prices are projected to remain at levels comparable to those in European Union member states, yet substantially lower than they would have been under continued reliance on Gazprom.
Following the exclusion of Moldovagaz as an intermediary in the procurement process, the Republic of Moldova has adopted an energy strategy based on a diversified portfolio of suppliers. Within this framework, a transparent and predictable tariff policy for the population is maintained. This balanced approach not only minimizes social risks but also strengthens transparency and aligns Moldova’s gas market with European standards, without generating disruptive fluctuations. The effectiveness of this strategy is already evident: since December 2022, Moldova has fully met the natural gas demand of its right-bank consumers by sourcing supplies from 15 different providers, thereby significantly reducing Gazprom’s influence.
Looking ahead, long-term stability in both pricing and supply security will be achieved through the continued integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union energy market. This includes the negotiation of direct supply contracts with partners such as Romania and other EU member states, as well as exploring alternative sources from the Caspian region. Such measures are critical to safeguarding energy independence and preventing external political pressures from influencing national energy security.In the context of ongoing gas market reform, the Moldovan authorities have opted for a gradual transition designed to protect consumers. The core principle guiding this transition remains diversification and reliability. Under the new framework, no single state or corporation will be permitted to hold a dominant position in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova.
