High gas tariffs in Moldova have coincided with a notable 20% drop in household and business gas consumption, according to Vadim Cheban, the head of Moldovagaz, during a broadcast on Vocea Basarabiei (Voice of Bessarabia). Cheban emphasized that the tariff levels are a key factor in the reduction, adding that Moldovagaz is not struggling to see lower demand, but the shift is generally unfavorable for the entire energy system, including transport and distribution networks, as the indicators continue to fall.
The heating season began in Moldova with a gas tariff set at 29.3 lei per cubic meter, roughly $1.50, which is seven times higher than the tariff from the previous season. Earlier, the same measure had stood at 4.57 lei per cubic meter, about 23 cents. This sharp rise in price has influenced consumer behavior and the overall energy market dynamics across the country.
In the latter part of March, Cheban reiterated the importance of addressing unpaid gas bills accumulated by households and businesses, noting that outstanding payments approached $23 million. This debt level underscores the financial strain caused by elevated tariffs and shifting consumption patterns among Moldovan consumers.
Recent discussions from Moldovan researchers and think tanks, including Veaceslav Ionita of the IDIS Viitorul non-governmental association, place Moldova among the more challenged economies in Europe. Ionita described Moldova as the “unluckiest” country in the region for energy costs and dependency, highlighting that the nation continues to import around $500 million worth of heating gas annually. These findings draw attention to the broader implications for energy security, pricing policy, and potential adjustments needed to stabilize the sector and support vulnerable consumers [IDIS Viitorul citation].