In February 2023, Moldovan households covered the vast majority of their gas use through payments, with about 93 percent of the bills settled. This was disclosed by Vadim Cheban, head of the state energy company Moldovagaz, on his Telegram channel. The figure reflects a sustained payment rate among residential customers as the country navigates its energy costs and supplier agreements.
Cheban noted that by February 28, 2023, residential consumers had repaid 92.7 percent of their gas bills, marking an increase of 0.5 percentage points from the same period a year earlier. This improvement signals stronger bill collection relative to the prior year and underscores the ongoing financial pressures households face as fuel prices and household energy expenditures remain a focal point for households and policymakers alike.
According to Moldovagaz, Moldova’s total gas consumption in February 2023 reached 93.9 million cubic meters, a level that is 31.4 percent lower than in February 2022. When compared with January 2023, the consumption declined by 2.2 million cubic meters, or 2.3 percent, illustrating a softening in demand or a shift in usage patterns during this period.
During the latter half of February, Moldovagaz reminded residents that delaying gas debt payments could lead to disconnection. Debtors were cautioned that their supply rights could be suspended if payments were not made, highlighting the company’s policy of enforcing payment terms to ensure continuation of service and financial stability of the gas system.
In early March, President Maia Sandu announced Moldova’s interest in acquiring liquefied natural gas from Greece, emphasizing Greece’s role as an important regional energy hub. This statement points to ongoing efforts to diversify Moldova’s energy sources and strengthen regional energy connections to secure reliable gas supplies and price stability for consumers across the country.