
From October 1, Moldova will be able to receive the bulk of Russian natural gas in transit through Romania, and not through Ukraine.
This was stated by the CEO of the Romanian company Transgaz Ion Sterian during the video conference of the Romanian Energy Hub. He noted that the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline can start operating at full capacity from October 1, and Romania will supply Russian gas to Moldova in transit through it. In addition, according to him, Moldovatransgaz is interested in storing in underground gas storage facilities in Romania about 20% of its total annual gas consumption for use at the peak of consumption in Moldova. Ion Sterian noted that Romania from October 1 will be a gas transit country, designed to meet the needs of Moldova. The head of Transgaz recalled that at present, only gas intended for Moldova is transported through Ukraine, along the former trans-Balkan corridor, and from April 1, 2021, Romania and other Balkan countries will import Russian gas through the Turkish Stream. Ion Sterian said that by the end of August-beginning of September it is planned to complete the construction of the Onesti and Gheraesti gas compressor stations in Romania, which will allow the export of natural gas to Moldova through the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline and indirectly replace the Ukrainian route of transportation / transit of Russian gas to Moldova with the Romanian route. “We are negotiating with Moldovagaz. Along with the two compressor stations in Onesti and Gheraesti, the Onesti-Gheraesti-Letcani gas pipeline will also be completed, which will complement the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline and starting October 1, from 4.5 to 6 million cubic meters of gas per day will go to Moldova to ensure gas consumption in Chisinau, which is the largest consumer of gas in the country. We have requests from the authorities, represented by Moldovatransgaz, for gas storage in Romania. And there will be a meeting between Romgaz, Transgaz, Modovagaz and Depogaz to ensure storage of 20% of the total annual gas consumption for Moldova in order to use these volumes at peak consumption,” said the head of Transgaz. Profit.ro notes that the annual gas consumption in Moldova, excluding Transnistria, is about 1 billion cubic meters and most likely through Romania Moldova will receive gas to supply it to Chisinau and the north-western regions. The volume of gas that can be stored in warehouses operated by Depogaz will amount to approximately 100 million cubic meters. The gas that will enter Moldova is likely to be Russian, and not purchased from Romanian producers. // 28.06.2021 – InfoMarket