Moldova seeks to preserve Russian gas transit through Ukraine

The Moldovan government aims to keep the traditional route for gas deliveries to Transnistria through Ukraine.

In a statement, Moldovan Energy Minister Victor Parlicov said that alternative routes would be more expensive, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"Of course, we want to preserve the traditional gas transit route to Transnistria. This is a matter of regional security, not just an energy issue. Stopping the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine could destabilise the Transnistrian region, which is undesirable for both Russia and other interested parties," the minister said in an interview with Radio Moldova.

The minister emphasised that the contract between Gazprom and Moldovagaz is in effect until 2026.

Notably, Moldova’s rapid diversification of its gas sector since 2022 has alleviated some of the challenges regarding supply. But while none of Chisinau’s gas is imported from Russia, the entirety of Transnistria’s gas is still being provided by Russia and has also been delivered free of charge for the last 15 years.

The cost of this “free” gas, worth approximately $9 billion, is then billed to Moldova’s state-owned gas company, Moldovagaz.

The “free” gas costs comprise one of the two streams of alleged debts that Moldova allegedly owes to Russia.

The second stream of debts consists of money Moldovagaz owes Russia for gas provided to the rest of Moldova (not including Transnistria). A 2023 review was conducted on this second stream, finding that the Moldovan government owes approximately $8.6 million, as opposed to the $709.0 million that Russia alleged.