Tiraspol is asking for gas loan. Chișinău is negotiating an agreement
The self-proclaimed authorities in Tiraspol are requesting three million cubic meters of gas loan from Chișinău to cover the needs of the Transnistrian region. A special commission from Chișinău is expected to analyze this request during the day, according to the press from Tiraspol. Sources close to the Government mentioned that Chișinău is at an advanced stage of negotiations to identify transparent solutions to the energy crisis in the Transnistrian region. Their success could put an end to the prolonged crisis, help people on both sides of the Nistru, and end the Russian energy blackmail.
The press from the left bank of the Nistru reports that the company Tiraspoltransgaz has allegedly committed to return the borrowed volume of gas or to pay its equivalent. The self-proclaimed Transnistrian authorities are hoping for a favorable response from the competent Moldovan commission.
Meanwhile, the Russian press writes that the Transnistrian region is negotiating with two companies from Hungary that are expected to supply gas to the left bank. The agreement could be signed soon, and deliveries might begin in February. Initially, deliveries could be made until the beginning of April, with a volume of about 3 million cubic meters per day. The route and price are not yet known.
When contacted for a comment, neither the interim head of Moldovagaz nor the Minister of Energy provided statements. As of this time, the Government of the Republic of Moldova has not commented on these statements. It is worth noting that Gazprom suspended natural gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region starting January 1. This decision has led to massive disconnections of gas, hot water, and thermal energy in most localities, including the Security Zone.
We remind that, after several weeks of categorically rejecting Chișinău's proposals for help and assistance, the alleged administration in Tiraspol took a step back last week and declared that it is ready to purchase natural gas through the company Moldovagaz. The so-called Transnistrian leader, Vadim Krasnoselski, acknowledged that this is the only reliable solution to provide light, heat, and gas to people's homes and social infrastructure.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Oleg Serebrian, stated on the "Scaner" show on Moldova 1 that there is only enough gas left in the Transnistrian region for a few days, and that coal for electricity production will last at most for two weeks. Therefore, the official says, a solution for the energy crisis must be found "as soon as possible," "regardless of whether Russia will resume gas supplies to the region."
