Russia gas cuts: Transnistria imposes emergency measures
The unrecognised territory of Transnistria is implementing gas saving measures, mandating gas distribution solely for the population and for electricity generation intended for domestic consumption.
The restrictions will apply from 2 October for up to 10 days, announced Serghei Obolonik, the region's self-declared Minister of Economic Development in Tiraspol.
Mr Obolonik explained the "temporary measures" were due to "unfavourable external circumstances" and the "need to regain financial aid from Russia."
The same source stressed that electricity and gas for domestic consumption would remain available under normal conditions for residents, schools, hospitals and industrial plants.
"Sufficient gas for all the region's needs will be delivered in a week and a half," Mr Obolonik added.
A similar situation occurred in June of this year, when residents of the region faced a sudden gas supply limitation. Specifically, from the night of 6 June until 20 June, the sale of methane at gas stations was stopped without warning, and soon after, the supply of hot water was also halted.
Residents queued for gas, and no official explanation was given until the authorities declared the need for "resource conservation."
Economic crisis deepens after Russia suspends gas deliveries
A state of economic emergency has been in place in the Transnistrian region since late 2024, and has been repeatedly extended. The reason cited is a severe economic crisis, triggered by the reduction of natural gas deliveries to the region.
According to officials in Tiraspol, the situation has led to a significant budgetary imbalance and the need for urgent austerity measures. Consequently, from July 2025 until the end of the current year, public sector salaries in the region will be paid in two tranches.
The self-proclaimed Tiraspol authorities have confirmed the financial difficulties, justifying the measure by the depletion of the region's reserves and the impossibility of executing the "regional budget" due to the "energy crisis and the geopolitical situation."
In January 2025, Moscow completely suspended gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region, leaving the population without heat and electricity. Chisinau intervened in February, allowing the transit of gas based on a contract between Moldovagaz and a European trader, with advance payment, supported by a €20m grant offered by the European Union.
Subsequently, Tiraspol refused a new European support package of €60m, opting for gas delivered by a company from Hungary and financed by a firm from Dubai. This led to the local administration restarting some heavy industry operations, despite having previously promised that the gas would be used only to meet the population’s needs.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
