Russian Gas: Moldova Declares State of Emergency Amid Looming Cut-off

Moldova has declared an energy sector state of emergency due to the expected cessation of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, Orda reports, citing Reuters.

Moldovan parliament members voted to declare an emergency in the energy sector on December 16. It will allow the nation to curb exports and secure supplies for Transnistria.

It will last for 60 days. The Moldovan government proposed the measure because Ukraine will cease Russian gas transit through its territory starting January 1.

Gazprom supplies gas to Moldova and sends it to Transnistria.

There, it is used both for the population's needs and the operation of the Moldavian State District Power Plant.

The breakaway nation Transnistria, internationally unrecognized, has also declared a state of emergency.

The TurkStream pipeline could prove to be an alternative route for Transnistria, according to Moldova. However, Gazprom has demanded Moldova to settle its alleged debt of $709 million.

The current agreement is valid until October 2026. How Gazprom will abide by it is unclear.