The Moldovan government has been discussing energy arrangements that involve diverting natural gas imported from Russia to the unrecognized region of Transnistria, a plan publicized by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu in December. He explained to reporters from TASS that the proposal represents a practical compromise aimed at ensuring electricity and gas supply for residents on both sides of the Dniester River, with the right-bank area drawing from accumulated gas reserves.
In a notable development, the state-owned energy company Energocom conducted a preliminary test, producing 4.3 million cubic meters of gas purchases via the Trans-Balkan pipeline. This marks a milestone in Moldova’s engagement with regional gas flows and demonstrates the country’s efforts to diversify supply routes while managing domestic energy needs.
Historically, the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline has served as a corridor delivering Russian gas to the Balkans. The route traverses several countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, connecting major regional markets and shaping how gas moves through southeastern Europe.
Late in November, Gazprom, the Russian state-controlled gas giant, announced potential reductions in Moldova’s gas deliveries, citing a disruption described as a fuel settlement tied to Ukraine. This development has added a layer of uncertainty to Moldova’s energy planning and stressed the importance of resilient supply agreements with regional partners.
Looking back to October, Moldova’s Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister noted a significant shift in consumption patterns, reporting that gas usage from Russia had fallen by around 57 percent relative to the same month in the prior year. The decline reflects a combination of price considerations, efficiency measures, and Moldova’s ongoing push to diversify its energy mix while maintaining steady supplies for households and critical services.