Recean, after Moldovagaz requested a gas tariff increase, and Parlicov failed to reach an agreement with Gazprom: “We have to face a very difficult winter”
The Prime Minister of Moldova, Dorin Recean, has warned that the country is bracing for a “very difficult” winter. The main challenges that could lead to a significant crisis include the potential interruption of natural gas supplies to the Transnistrian region and the request from Moldovagaz to increase tariffs by more than four lei. At the start of the Cabinet of Ministers' meeting, the Prime Minister assured that, despite these difficulties, the government will work to find solutions to manage the situation.
“I have to be honest with you. We have to face a very difficult winter. We have to prepare for this. Difficulties and a possible crisis arise from two sources. The first is a possible interruption of natural gas to the left of the Nistru. About 350 thousand people live there, and most of them are our citizens. They risk being left without heat and electricity, and this could turn into a humanitarian catastrophe. Because they are our citizens, we must find solutions for a possible crisis there. It could happen if Gazprom does not honor its contractual obligations.”
Another crisis could be generated, says Prime Minister Dorin Recean, by Moldovagaz’s request to increase natural gas tariffs by over four lei, effective December 1. The Head of Government stated that the request must be analyzed “very carefully and transparently” by ANRE.
“I know that there are many questions regarding this request to increase gas tariffs. There are many questions, how were the purchases made in the summer, autumn, etc., and citizens’ expectations that these questions be clarified are validated. Answers will be provided during the parliamentary hearings that will take place.”
The Prime Minister acknowledges that "the situation will be complicated", but he assures that "the Government will stand by the citizens", in any situation.
