Moldavian energy officials through JSC Energocom have pursued a plan to buy natural gas from Greece as a means to diversify away from dependence on Russian supplies. The move, reported by TASS citing the company, signals an effort to establish a second supply route that could help stabilize Moldova’s gas access amid geopolitical tensions and shifting European energy policies. The core objective is to create a robust alternative to Russian fuel imports and reduce exposure to disruptions in traditional supply lines. This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to align Moldova’s energy security with regional energy corridors that connect the Black Sea region to Central and Eastern Europe.
According to Energocom, the proposed purchase would involve 24 megawatt-hours of gas (approximately 2.2 thousand cubic meters) sourced from the Greek operator DEPA. The test is designed to validate the operational capacity of a gas supply chain that routes energy through Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, providing a practical demonstration of cross-border interconnections and the feasibility of multi-country gas transit. The plan envisions the gas crossing Moldova’s border via the Iasi-Ungheni entry point, highlighting the importance of border infrastructure in enabling new supply routes and the potential for enhanced gas resilience during peak demand or price volatility. The cost implication for Greece-origin gas is stated as 45 euros per megawatt-hour, equating to roughly 477 euros per thousand cubic meters, with transport costs and other charges to be accounted separately in the final commercial terms. This price point situates the test within a competitive segment of the European gas market and underscores the role of competitive tendering and bilateral agreements in diversifying supply options for Moldova.
In parallel developments, Energocom and DEPA signed an EFET framework agreement in Athens on April 9, a move described as part of a broader effort to formalize cross-border gas procurement channels and reduce transactional friction for future gas deliveries. This agreement aligns with Moldova’s ongoing assessment of its energy procurement framework and reflects a shared interest among regional players to strengthen interconnectivity and supply reliability. Earlier comments from Moldovagaz leadership noted that Moldova managed to achieve substantial savings in gas costs in the previous year, a figure cited as over 420 million dollars for 2022. The savings were attributed to existing contractual arrangements with Gazprom, highlighting how long-standing supply contracts can influence national energy bills while new diversification measures are pursued. This context illustrates Moldova’s balancing act between consolidating established pipelines and exploring new routes that broaden access to gas markets beyond traditional suppliers. Overall, the sequence of steps—testing alternate routes, formalizing cross-border agreements, and evaluating savings from current contracts—reflects a strategic approach to energy security that many neighboring regions are adopting as markets continue to evolve and price dynamics fluctuate. The aim is to create a more resilient energy framework that can absorb external shocks while maintaining reliable gas flows for households, industry, and critical infrastructure across Moldova and its regional partners. Marked attributions: information on the Greek-DEPA test and EFET agreement appears in reports by TASS and related coverage from regional energy observers, with official statements from Energocom and Moldovagaz corroborating the broader strategic intent.