Energy Ministry proposes new rules for gas reserves for the left bank of the Nistru
The entity responsible for supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region must create reserves that cover at least 15 percent of the average annual consumption of all consumers on the left bank of the Nistru, calculated over the past five years. The new rules appear in a draft law on strengthening the security of natural gas supply for the left bank region, presented on March 10 by the Ministry of Energy.
The calculation will include all consumers, not only households and social institutions, in line with European Union directive requirements.
The average annual consumption will reflect the needs of the Transnistrian region and will exclude electricity produced by the Cuciurgan power plant and delivered outside the region.
During the heating season, the responsible entity will report the level of gas reserves each month to the Ministry of Energy and the National Energy Regulatory Agency.
The entity will use the reserves gradually between November 1 and March 31. It may exceed monthly limits only in justified cases to prevent a possible crisis in the gas sector.
The Energy Ministry drafted the project amid uncertainty over gas deliveries to the Transnistrian region, which currently rely only on short term arrangements based on periodic payments for current consumption.
Recent payments will cover gas needs only until the end of this week, representatives of the National Energy Regulatory Agency said.
Authorities say these measures aim to reduce the risk of energy crises and ensure stable gas supply for consumers in the region.
Alexei Taran, head of the National Energy Regulatory Agency, said on Monday, March 9, that the Transnistrian region has natural gas supplies secured only until the end of this week.
