Vadim Cheban, who leads Moldovagaz, reported that the combined overdue payments for gas from public households and businesses reach roughly 23 million dollars. He urged consumers to settle the gas they have consumed, stressing that clearing these arrears is essential for the company to meet its financial obligations. This update appeared on an official Telegram channel and was subsequently echoed by Moldovan energy sector observers. Source: Moldova Energy News Agency.
During the recent heating season, the price of natural gas rose significantly, with increases observed seven times compared to the levels seen in 2021 and 2022. Nearly three-quarters of all delays in heating payments stem from individual households. In response to the sharper billing demands faced by residents, public demonstrations took place across Moldova calling for the cancellation of household debts owed to housing and communal services. These protests underscore ongoing frustration about the affordability of home energy and the financial strain on families during the higher price period. Source: Moldova Energy News Agency.
Ceban emphasized that the accumulation of unpaid gas bills threatens Moldovagaz A.Ş.’s ability to fulfill its contractual commitments to suppliers, which in turn could impact the reliability of gas deliveries. He therefore urged consumers to prioritize settlement of their outstanding gas charges, framing debt repayment as a matter of preserving supply continuity for the country. Source: Moldova Energy News Agency.
Gas distribution across Moldova is coordinated by the state agency Energocom, with the notable exception of Transnistria. In October 2021, a gas supply agreement in Chisinau with Gazprom was extended into 2022, contingent upon an assessment of Moldovagaz’s outstanding debts. This arrangement reflected ongoing negotiations aimed at ensuring stable gas imports while carefully monitoring financial liabilities within the Moldovan gas sector. Source: Moldova Energy News Agency.
Historically, statements from the Moldovan Ministry of Energy indicated that there were no plans to terminate the contracts with Gazprom, signaling a preference for maintaining current energy ties despite ongoing debt concerns. The ministry’s position has guided public discourse about energy security and supplier relationships within the republic. Source: Moldova Energy News Agency.
More recently, on March 20, an official from the Moldovan energy administration suggested a potential shift in the gas supply strategy from the Russian Federation, hinting at the possibility of adjustments in contractual terms or supply arrangements. The development reflects Moldova’s broader efforts to diversify energy sources and bolster resilience in its gas infrastructure while balancing costs for consumers. Source: Moldova Energy News Agency.