Ukrainian gas may benefit Moldova, Romanian expert
Chisinau should first leverage natural gas supply options from neighboring countries—Romania and Ukraine—before seeking suppliers from other states. Ukrainian gas could be an advantageous alternative, despite the security risks posed by the war, according to Romanian energy expert Eugenia Gusilov.
The Republic of Moldova could secure natural gas at a more favorable price by negotiating direct supplies from Ukraine, rather than looking to suppliers located far away, noted Gusilov during the program "Zi de Zi"on Radio Moldova.
"Qatar—whose gas infrastructure has been affected since March due to the Gulf conflict—has lost production capacity, and its gas volumes are no longer reaching the European market. Qatar is simply not an option. In fact, one of the reasons for rising gas prices in Europe is precisely that gas which previously came from Qatar can no longer reach Europe. Moldova’s consumption is not high; it is 1 billion cubic meters annually. If Moldova can reach an agreement with Kyiv, I believe that would be the best and most desirable solution," stated Eugenia Gusilov.
The expert noted that, although Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is vulnerable to attacks, this should not rule out the neighboring country as a potential supplier. While supply stability remains a risk, Ukrainian gas could be a viable alternative, including for the cold season. According to her, Ukraine may have surplus gas volumes, given the war-driven decline in domestic consumption and the disruption of industrial activity. "Very direct savings. The European market is highly exposed and directly impacted—whether due to a supply deficit or the inability to secure certain volumes of gas, such as those from the Gulf, for the European market. In a sense, we are at the mercy of the markets. Gas prices in Europe are 8–10 times higher than in America. And as for the Republic of Moldova—a country with one of the lowest purchasing powers in Europe—it has a direct interest in finding gas at a lower price. I believe that the option involving Ukraine—provided an agreement can be reached and terms can be settled—would be the most desirable outcome for gas consumers," added the energy expert from Romania.
On October 20, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced his intention to travel to Ukraine to discuss the possibility of importing natural gas. Meanwhile, authorities in Chisinau continue to seek alternative suppliers and negotiate more favorable contracts, including with Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Turkmenistan. The goal is to secure better supply conditions for the medium and long term.
We remind you that, as of October 1, the price of natural gas in the Republic of Moldova has risen by nearly 29 percent, driven by the international energy crisis and an increase in procurement costs. A further price adjustment before the end of the year cannot be ruled out, given the unpredictable developments in the international market.
