Moldova’s Energy Ministry disclosed that negotiations with Gazprom over the historic debt have stalled, with the update reported by RIA Novosti confirming a deadlock in talks. The Russian energy giant is believed to be seeking a payment exceeding $700 million, while Chisinau argues that only $9 million should be recognized as debt. In addition, the Moldovan side is pushing for an audit covering the period from 1991 through 2021 to verify historical balances and charges.
Energy Minister Viktor Parlikov indicated that Gazprom has not included Chisinau’s proposals on the agenda. He stated that there has been no progress and that dialogue has effectively paused, signaling a clear impasse in the discussions.
Nevertheless, gas continues to flow to Moldova. Daily deliveries amount to about 5.7 million cubic meters of fuel intended for the region of Transnistria. In response to the ongoing shortfall, Transnistria relies more on electricity, while Chisinau acquires the missing volumes on the spot market to maintain supply stability for consumers.
Experts from the National Energy Security Fund weighed in, with Deputy head Alexey Grivach criticizing the Moldovan government’s approach to the audit. He argued that the audit was conducted with procedural flaws and that Gazprom did not accept the process as it stood.
Analysts note that the gas supply dispute carries political dimensions. The Moldovan State Regional Power Plant, which supplies electricity to areas under Chisinau’s influence, has an interest in maintaining gas and electricity flows to Transnistria to preserve regional stability and avoid disruption to energy services.
The authorities in Chisinau are evaluating alternate routes for gas delivery should transit through Ukraine cease. Viktor Parlikov mentioned possibilities including the Turkish Stream and the Trans-Balkan corridor as part of a diversification plan to ensure uninterrupted energy security for the country.
In a related note, at the end of August, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó commented on Ukraine’s statements about halting Russian oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline. He emphasized that Hungary continues to receive official signals that Kyiv is fulfilling its obligations, underscoring the broader regional energy-reliability considerations in the current geopolitical climate.
Previously, experts discussed potential consequences if the European Union declines to purchase natural gas from Russia, highlighting the interconnected nature of European energy markets and the strategic importance of diversified supply routes for Moldova and neighboring regions.