Moldova mandates competitive gas market for large businesses by 2026
Moldova’s gas market liberalisation is entering its critical phase, with mandatory changes set to take effect for large gas consumers in 2026.
This move will compel industrial users to transition from the current regulated system to a competitive gas market. Medium-sized consumers will follow suit starting in 2027.
Authorities stress that the measure aims to foster competition, leading to directly negotiated gas contracts and pricing models tailored to individual company profiles. This change forms part of a broader energy sector reform in the country.
Alexei Taran, Director of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), confirmed that the transition will not impact household users, who will maintain their position under the regulated regime.
"Vulnerable consumers remain protected," Taran stated during a press event held in Chișinău on 18 November. "Liberalisation is directed at large and medium consumers, who possess the capacity to negotiate and adapt their supply contracts. Free market suppliers are able to offer more favourable, potentially seasonal, pricing that reflects the difference in consumption between summer and winter." These developments are driven by new ANRE regulations.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu reinforced this perspective, describing the market opening as a requirement for a resilient energy sector.
"Competition is the mechanism that delivers better prices," the Minister commented. "Suppliers can import gas from diverse sources, secure storage volumes, and offer flexible contract terms. Liberalisation is a necessary step aligned with our European path."
The liberalisation process accelerated during 2024–2025 following the Republic of Moldova's successful efforts to eliminate its dependency on Gazprom and secure alternative European suppliers. ANRE has since issued over 30 licences for free market suppliers, with 13 currently active. Furthermore, gas consumption has dropped by approximately 40% over the last two years, fundamentally altering the market structure and the pricing strategies used by suppliers.
By regulation, large gas consumers—predominantly industrial companies—must shift to the competitive market by 1 April 2026. In this new structure, prices are determined by direct negotiation, not by ANRE tariffs.
The official deadline for medium-sized companies is 1 April 2027.
Household consumers and small economic agents will continue to be served under the regulated regime. Several large consumers have already begun negotiations with free market suppliers in anticipation of the mandatory 2026 deadline.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
