---
title: "Moldova secures cheaper Ukrainian gas: Energocom contracts first 2 million cubic meters"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/88909/moldova-secures-cheaper-ukrainian-gas-energocom-contracts-first-2-million-cubic-meters
published: 2026-10-29T12:15:00Z
language: en
author: "Nicoleta Borodin"
section: "Economic"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova secures cheaper Ukrainian gas: Energocom contracts first 2 million cubic meters

> Energocom has contracted its first two million cubic meters of natural gas from private suppliers in Ukraine at a price lower than the European market benchmark. The company has been connected to the neighboring country’s gas exchange, and the initial transactions have allowed for the testing of the procurement mechanism while already generating gains for the company.

![TRM](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/421c3052-3fa4-40ef-9842-00f117d36f8e.jpg)

*Sursa: TRM*

Energocom has contracted its first two million cubic meters of natural gas from private suppliers in Ukraine at a price lower than the European market benchmark. The company has been connected to the neighboring country’s gas exchange, and the initial transactions have allowed for the testing of the procurement mechanism while already generating gains for the company.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the authorities plan to increase purchases from Ukraine, hoping cheaper gas will lower tariffs for consumers.

In addition to the state-owned company Naftogaz—which extracts the bulk of Ukraine’s natural gas—there are also private producers. Until recently, these private entities were prohibited from exporting gas; however, given the relatively large reserves, they have been granted permission to sell up to 15% of their production abroad until November 30.

"There are two types of suppliers in Ukraine: private suppliers and state-owned suppliers. Private suppliers have gained the right to sell gas on the open export market, and we quickly connected Energocom to the Ukrainian exchange so we can purchase gas there. I can report that we have already contracted the first two million cubic meters at a price below today’s spot rate—that is, lower than the TTF [Title Transfer Facility] price," Prime Minister Vasile Tofan declared on October 29, during the presentation of the "Building Moldova" strategic investment projects, part of the Growth Plan.

According to the Prime Minister, the government is purchasing gas from private suppliers in Ukraine at a price about 10 euros below the spot market rate. Energocom tested this mechanism by purchasing gas at a lower price and reselling previously contracted volumes, thereby generating gains. Vasile Tofan did not specify the exact value of these gains. "These are small volumes—around two million cubic meters—but we wanted to test the mechanism to see if we could procure cheaper gas from Ukraine and exit existing contracts; as you know, we have already secured 90% of our needs for this winter. The mechanism worked, and we saved money," the Prime Minister stated.

Tofan said that the purchases on the Ukrainian exchange are part of a broader set of negotiations with Ukraine, which could lead to more favourable supply terms.

"For us, it is important to act quickly now and secure gas volumes at prices lower than those we have contracted based on the TTF", stated Vasile Tofan.

The Republic of Moldova is negotiating the purchase of natural gas with Ukraine, as the authorities in Chișinău seek more favorable contracts and alternative supply sources.

On October 11, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that gas from Ukraine could become an option for the Republic of Moldova, following the lifting of export restrictions. Ukraine’s surplus volumes—estimated at approximately 500 million cubic meters—would be sufficient to cover one gas year for the regulated market in the Republic of Moldova.

Concurrently, the authorities in Chișinău are in discussions with suppliers from Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Turkmenistan to secure more favorable terms for natural gas supplies over the medium and long term.

Natural gas tariffs have increased in the Republic of Moldova against the backdrop of an international energy crisis and rising procurement costs. As of October 1, household consumers are paying 26.14 lei per cubic meter of gas, including VAT.