Economic

Gas Market Liberalisation: Minister's Vision and International Support

The National Gas Market is currently undergoing liberalisation. Minister Victor Parlicov stated at the Natural Gas Forum that progress has been made in recent years, transitioning from a monopoly to a free market.

Additionally, businesspeople from Romania, with an interest in the Republic of Moldova, participated in the forum.

The objective of the Ministry of Energy is for all large firms to purchase gas on the free market starting next year, with medium-sized enterprises following suit over the subsequent two years. Recently, the first transaction originating from the Republic of Moldova was completed on the Romanian Commodities Exchange.

"The primary benefit of this forum is the strong signal it sends indicating the liberalisation of the market in the Republic of Moldova. I believe it marks a very good beginning, a historic moment for the Republic of Moldova," stated the director of the Romanian Commodities Exchange.

Daniel Apostol, the director of the Romanian Oil and Gas Federation, emphasised that the liberalisation of the natural gas market in Moldova will provide consumers, whether household or industrial, with the opportunity to no longer depend on a monopoly.

According to the Minister of Energy, the Republic of Moldova has diversified its sources of natural gas supply in recent years.

"The functional market and integration into the European gas market will bring each of us many more benefits, extending beyond just the price or tariff for gas consumers. It's about supply security, investments that are contingent upon security, and simple rules of the game ensuring job creation and exports," recounted Minister Victor Parlicov.

"In the past two years, the United States has committed to providing $389 million through USAID energy programs to assist the Republic of Moldova in providing its citizens with safer and more affordable energy," mentioned Laura Hruby, the Deputy Ambassador of the United States.

The gas market is currently undergoing liberalisation, with an important stage being the implementation of Energy Package three. This package involves the separation of natural gas transportation and supply activities. The pipeline network has been transferred to the management of an independent operator who must ensure equal access for all players in the market.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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